Walking in the countryside is good for the brain as well as the body
December 26th 2008 19:35
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How often do you go for a long walk in the country or even in a lovely park?
Apparently walking in the city is very stressful and does nothing to enhance your brain performance, whereas walking in the country or a park, surrounded by nature does.
When you stop to admire a lovely waterfall does this make you feel tired? No, of course it doesn't , it is very uplifting and refreshing and usually cool, (let's hope if it's cold you've got your winter woolies on and you can enjoy the thrill of the crisp cold air and maybe take a paddle in the water, or even a swim, it the water's not too cold and if it is you can usually bear to put your hands in.
Even just thinking about it makes you feel good, doesn't it?
And apparently if you look at pictures of country scenes as opposed to city skyways that, too, is very good for your brain.
"interacting with nature", even in the middle of winter, boosts memory and concentration levels, Scientists say.
As Telegraph Company, UK says:
In contrast a walk through busy streets, perhaps shopping for sales bargains, has no improving effect on the brain at all.
The research was carried out at the University of Michigan. One group was sent out on a 50-minute walk through streets lined with office buildings and busy with traffic while the other took a secluded, tree-lined route.
Afterwards the volunteers' mental skills were assessed in a series of tests, and compared to their performance before setting off on the walks. Results showed that those who took the "nature route" improved their short-term memory by 20 per cent. There were no improvements after walking down city streets.
It is thought that the countryside is "restorative" because it allows people to switch off, while walking in towns and cities requires attention.
The research was carried out at the University of Michigan. One group was sent out on a 50-minute walk through streets lined with office buildings and busy with traffic while the other took a secluded, tree-lined route.
Afterwards the volunteers' mental skills were assessed in a series of tests, and compared to their performance before setting off on the walks. Results showed that those who took the "nature route" improved their short-term memory by 20 per cent. There were no improvements after walking down city streets.
It is thought that the countryside is "restorative" because it allows people to switch off, while walking in towns and cities requires attention.
This communicating with nature has similar effects to meditation, but from where I sit, give me a beautiful walk in the country, any day.
Some of our bloggers live in wonderful parts of the world which allow them to communicate with nature every day. Oh, how I envy them.
What do you say?
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I just love to get out and take it all in, for the wild flowers when they are in bloom, to the many varieties of trees that cover the mountain sides. I love to walk early morning or evening the best. I even walk in the winter when the mountains are covered in snow.
I meet many different people while on my walks as these mountain trails are mostly used for ATV riders in stead of walkers like me, but I must admit I do ride my ATV quiet a bit also. As you can see Katyzzz this is a subject I just love, that is walking in the country.