Researchers
have proven that nature has positive effects on our emotions, thoughts, mental
health, and physical health. I literally experienced this to a great measure, when
my husband took me on a birthday excursion to the mountains in Southern
Illinois.
I
cried with joy when we entered the lush green environment full of deep valleys
and high peaks. Then, I cried with grief when we left them an hour and a half
later, because our visit was much too short. My soul craved more mountain time.
When
we walk in nature, or watch nature videos, our stress levels decrease, because
our parasympathetic nervous system calms us down during our interaction with
trees, mountains, flowers, bodies of water, and watching wildlife.
Lush
landscapes raise our confidence that our life will flourish, as we spend time
in their order and fruitfulness, giving us hope. While nature restores our
mental and emotional perception and abilities, we feel more energized, our mood
improves, and our brain is more alert.
Even
our physical recovery time is enhanced and shortened by contact with nature.
Many hospitals fill their lobby with plants, and offer courtyards for staff,
visitor and patient enjoyment. We often bring gifts of flowers and plants to
those in the hospital.
Nature
tends to instigate slow, deep, rhythmic breathing that sends peaceful vibes to
our mind, body and emotions. Water in nature, along with trees, plants and
flowers will improve our attention span when we are tired, allowing our
productivity to increase.
Fountains
heighten our feelings of joy as we watch their pulsing manipulation of water. A
starlit night, comets, shooting stars and a bright moon will also restore our
mental and emotional stability. A cool sunny day brightens our mood, depletes
our concerns and fosters hope.
Through
studying a variety of people, researchers proved what I experienced in the
mountains. Nature definitely reduces negative thoughts, as well as lessens
anxiety. With each step in the verdant greenery, our cares diminish and God's
peace causes our breathing to slow and our joy to increase.
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You for creating such beautiful nature for us to enjoy. All creation
gives testimony of Your existence, and no one has an excuse for not believing
in You. Remind us to experience the joy You give through Your handiwork in the
sky, on the land and in the water (Romans 1:20).
Remind
us to take the time to walk in nature, and to give live plants and flowers as
gifts to our family and friends. This allows Your creation to restore us in
spirit, soul and body. We know that the rocks will sing Your praises if we fail
to do so (Luke 19:40); so help us to understand the importance of nature in
Your order of our earthly existence.
Thought
for the Day:
Our
grief is diminished by our contact with nature, and some aspects of nature will
even produce a smile or a deep-throated chuckle; that is why people send plants
and flowers to those grieving a loss, and why working in the garden or playing
with our pets will diminish our stress level.
