Ever noticed how taking a walk or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air can make you feel better — even if nothing in particular is bothering you?
It might be the change in scenery that makes a difference. Just looking at photos or videos of nature can have a relaxing effect, research indicates.
It may also be the chance to take a mental break and move around a bit. Sometimes a positive diversion, for even a few minutes, can help us get our focus back on the task at hand.
The benefits of being in nature affect both mind and body — and spirit, as well, which can bolster the positive physical and mental effects nature offers.
The benefits of spending time in nature may have an even greater impact on older adults, which is why we place such emphasis on the value of our parklike environment in every Park Senior Villas community.
Our beautifully landscaped outdoor areas and walking paths are easy to access, including for seniors who aren’t as mobile as they once were. And for those who might need a little extra motivation, always having someone to go outside with is a definite bonus!
Did we mention the views? They’re spectacular — as the residents in our new video will tell you. The video, which is only about a minute and a half long, provides a glimpse of how lovely our communities are.
Why Is Nature So Calming?
In addition to helping the body make vitamin D (which may help strengthen bones and the immune system and assist in fighting inflammation), sunlight may reduce anxiety by increasing serotonin levels, according to WebMD.
Sometimes referred to as a “feel good” chemical the body produces, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that also acts as a hormone. It carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body.
Staying cooped up inside can cause serotonin levels to drop, but when serotonin is at a normal level, this article by Cleveland Clinic notes, “you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier, and calmer.”
Exercise also can increase brain serotonin function, research suggests, so taking a walk or engaging in some other physical activity while you’re outside just might give you an extra boost.
Along with regulating mood, serotonin also plays a role in:
- Digestion and appetite
- Sleep quality and the sleep-wake cycle
- Wound healing
- Bone health
How Else Does Nature Reduce Stress?
The digital age has ushered in a hastened pace of life, with instantaneous communication capabilities, an astonishing supply of information, and a steady stream of stimuli that bombards us as we go about our days. It’s no wonder we so often feel frazzled.
Taking a break to reconnect with nature can serve as a much-needed balm for the nerves.
As an article by the American Heart Association (AHA) points out, nature scenes “gently capture your attention instead of suddenly snatching it.”
Time seems to slow down when we’re out in nature. For a while, we can escape our to-do lists and simply be present. By paying attention to our surroundings instead of focusing so intently on our thoughts, we can let go of stress and anxiety.
Spending time in nature can also reduce muscle tension and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while lowering heart rate and blood pressure, according to a blog post on the UC Davis Health website.
Being in Nature Can Ease Depression and Mental Fatigue, Too
Having regular access to green spaces — whether those spaces are forests, rolling hills, or parks — has been associated with lower risks of depression, according to UC Davis Health.
Although actually being outdoors likely has the most benefit, the AHA article notes that “even just the view of the forest from a hospital room helps patients who are feeling down.”
Taking some time for yourself in a natural setting can recharge your prefrontal cortex, as well, the AHA article adds. This area of the brain regulates thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and plays a vital role in short-term memory.
Another benefit of regularly spending time in green spaces is that it can improve your ability to pay attention.
In short, if you’re looking for reasons to get out and enjoy nature, stress relief, sharper focus, and a reduced risk of depression are all strong contenders.
You can learn more about the benefits older adults can derive from being outdoors in a green/natural setting in our earlier blog post about neighborhood-based assisted living communities.
Sharing the Views at Park Senior Villas
With acres of gardens and greenery, our communities in the Phoenix and Tucson areas are like oases for older adults who need a little assistance with their daily routine or supportive memory care.
Not only do residents appreciate the surrounding scenery, but they also thrive on the connections they form with one another.
“We go out for walks and we meet people along the way, so you get to become friends with them, and you come out into the courtyard and everybody’s saying hello to each other,” says one resident in our video.
“I like going out in the afternoon and visiting with whoever’s out there on the patio, and the view from the backyard, it’s just a beautiful experience,” says another resident.
On resident sums it up this way: “It makes you feel good — you know, the mountains. I like to see the mountains.”
If you’ve waited to watch our video, we encourage you to take a couple of minutes and do that now.
For more information about the unique setting for seniors you’ll find at Park Senior Villas, contact us. To see our views, set up a visit!
Featured Image: Halfpoint / Shutterstock
