Getting out into nature not only soothes and opens the emotional heart but can also benefit the physical heart. Studies have shown that being in nature reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, fear and stress and helps take the body's nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode (which causes strain on the heart by increasing blood pressure and heart rate).
A study by the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that people who live in greener areas had lower levels of stress-related hormones such as adrenaline, as well as HIGHER levels of blood cells that specialize in repairing damaged blood vessels and keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.
If you can't get out into nature, bring a little bit of nature into your home or office. One study showed that patients who had plants or flowers in their rooms following major surgery had a faster recovery time, needed fewer pain medications and experienced "lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate, lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and more positive feelings" (American Society for Horticultural Science).
Comments