THE NATURAL PRESCRIPTION #world #mental-health

Living in urban areas can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from nature, but there's evidence that being in natural environments can make us feel better. It's like we're wired to find comfort in nature because throughout history, being in natural places, especially those with water or open horizons, often meant safety and survival. This connection to nature can reduce stress without us even realizing it, thanks to our brain and body reacting positively to natural elements.

There are two main theories explaining why nature is good for our mental health: Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) and Attention Restoration Theory (ART). SRT suggests that just being in nature can calm us down and reduce negative thoughts, while ART says nature helps our brains recover from the strain of daily life by giving our focused attention a break.

In simpler terms, when we're in nature, our brains get a chance to relax and recharge, which can improve our ability to concentrate, make us feel happier, and even reduce feelings of stress and depression. This is why spending time in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, can be so refreshing and rejuvenating.
[10/05, 10:06 am] Wangari Kinyanjui: Sure, let's delve a bit deeper into the two theories:

1. *Stress Reduction Theory (SRT):*
   - This theory suggests that exposure to natural environments can reduce stress levels. It's based on the idea that humans have evolved to feel safe and relaxed in natural settings because throughout history, these environments provided resources for survival.
   - When we're in nature, our bodies and minds react positively without us even realizing it. For example, just looking at greenery or water can trigger automatic physiological responses that help lower stress levels.
   - Landscapes with certain features, like water or vegetation, are thought to be particularly beneficial for stress reduction because they were associated with survival in our evolutionary past.

2. *Attention Restoration Theory (ART):*
   - ART focuses on how nature can restore our ability to focus and concentrate. In our modern urban lives, we're constantly bombarded with stimuli that demand our attention, which can lead to mental fatigue and reduced concentration.
   - Natural environments, on the other hand, provide a break from this constant cognitive effort. The theory suggests that being in nature allows our brains to switch to a different mode of attention, called involuntary attention, which is less effortful and helps replenish our ability to concentrate.
   - This restoration of attentional capacity can have various benefits, including improved cognitive performance, better mood, and reduced stress.

In summary, both SRT and ART highlight the beneficial effects of nature on our mental health, whether it's through reducing stress or restoring our cognitive resources. So, taking time to immerse ourselves in natural environments can be a valuable tool for maintaining our well-being in our fast-paced urban lives. #mental-health #nature #usa #world #news #breaking-news