Episode 09: Nature is the Ultimate Mind Spa

Why Am I So Effing Stressed??!!

Welcome back to “Why am I so Effing Stressed?” for another nurturing episode. And today, nurture can be found in nature as we explore why nature is the ultimate mind spa! We talk about feeling overwhelmed in both our bodies and minds, and how relaxing in front of your phone or laptop may calm your body but not your mind. You’ll learn why too much screen time at night is a bad idea, how to unplug from the ‘meta stuff’ and into nature instead, what biophilia is and why it’s so powerful, and why disconnecting from nature can have devastating consequences on your wellbeing. We then take a look at real medical studies that prove just how healing nature can be. We come to understand that nature can reduce stress, prevent mental strain and disease, and improve cognitive functioning. Even a small amount of time spent in nature can be wondrous for your body and mind. We end our chat by hearing a few suggestions on how you can best spend your outings in nature. If you are looking to find your calm while receiving stress-relieving information, be sure to tune in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Today, we will be discussing why nature is the ultimate mind spa.
• Feeling too stressed, anxious, and/or overwhelmed in both your body and mind.
• How retreating to our phones and laptops may calm our bodies but not our minds.
• Why too much screen time at night is unhealthy, especially when you’re stressed.
• Unplugging from the ‘meta stuff’ and plugging into nature instead.
• The power of biophilia.
• Why disconnecting from nature can have negative effects on our well-being.
• A study that forced people to be in nature and away from their phones.
• The remarkable results of forest bathing.
• How nature nurtures.
• Discovering how a walk in nature can prevent mental strain and even disease.
• How nature can improve cognitive functioning.
• Nature and the Attention Network Test.
• The importance of getting daily doses of sunlight.
• Different ways to spend time in nature but first: leave your phone alone.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

“The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature”

“Not Just Scenery: Viewing nature pictures improves executive attention in older adults”

“Nature contact and mood benefits”

“Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers”

“The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku”

“How nature nurtures”

Episode 02: What’s Happening Inside Our Bodies When We Are Stressing Out?

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Disclaimer

This podcast represents the opinions and views of Annemarie Bell and her guests. The content herein should not be taken or construed as medical advice or therapeutic services. Additionally, views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of Annemarie Bell and/or her guests and do not represent those of her employer.