Walking, or sitting in nature, aka Shinrin-yoku, started in Japan, but has recently been spreading in the U.S. Here are some re
asons you should give it a try…
It speeds recovery – People in the hospital given green views after surgery had shorter days, took fewer painkillers, and had fewer complications than those who stared out at a cement wall.
It’s great for your heart – A few hours in nature lowers blood pressure – and the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
It beefs up immunity – When you inhale fresh forest air, you breath in phytoncides, plant chemicals that have antibacterial and anti fungal qualities and increase the immune system’s disease-fighting natural killer cells.
It soothes your brain – Being in greenery decreased anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue for adults in one study. Other research shows that kids with ADHD who spent time in natural outdoor environments have a reduction in symptoms.
When patients walk out of family medicine doc Bob Sallis’s office, nearly every one is clutching a prescription. For exercise. “It’s been proven to treat virtually everything that ails us: high blood pressure, depression, osteoarthritis, heart troubles, type 2 diabetes,” he says. “It’s time to start encouraging people to take advantage of free medication.” This year Sallis, worked with the US Surgeon general to release a Call to Action on Walking to make walking easier and safer in every community. It may seem like an obvious step, but it’s a necessary stride forward – and, as Sallis will tell you, “as landmark as the 1964 Surgeon General’s report advising us to stop smoking.”
December, 2015