I have always tried to make my kids ‘outdoorsy’. When my children were much younger we did any bug hunting, pond dipping, outdoor shelter building, cooking on a campfire and any other nature type childrens activities I could find. There were loads organised at a couple of country parks a shortish drive away and they were only ever a few pounds each. My husband used to laugh at me (affectionately) but I would just tell him that if there was ever a zombie apocalypse then we would be fine. He actually bought me a ‘How to survive a zombie apocalypse’ book for Christmas a few years ago!
Benefits of the countryside
Oxygen is essential for the neuron function of the brain (probably no help for zombies though), the brain uses around three times the amount of oxygen than muscles do. This means that going outside actually improves brain function, especially for people who are stuck inside all day. This in turn can help improve concentration. I honestly think all companies should actively encourage people to go for a walk during break/lunch time.
When people are in sunlight the body synthesizes vitamin D which is again essential for brain function. Vitamin D protects the neurons in the brain and has been connected to nerve growth. However, vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common each year. Also, being outside helps the brain produces endorphins which are required for regulating mood meaning that being outside can create positive changes to the state of mind.
Research by Mind has found that after a single walk in the countryside, 90 per cent of participants had increased levels of self-esteem and three quarters reported reduced levels of depression.
Countryside and the imagination
Walking in countryside is also great for the imagination. You will be going to places that you can’t get to by car and you are likely to see things and places you probably wouldn’t see on an average day. Many people believe that the feet and mind are deeply connected and walking in an area full of new sights can be a great stimulus to creativity. Flowers will likely have the same effects with the vast myriad of smells, shapes and colours.
The countryside is generally tranquil which will have the same effect on the mind. In modern life our brains can be overstimulated, there is so much going on in a town or city and our homes are filled with technology. Step into the countryside and the pace is usually much slower. It has been suggested that natural elements like trees, plants, sunlight, water etc can absorb negative energy. Whether this is true or not I don’t know but it could just be the effects of being outdoors and the stress reducing effects it seems to provoke or this could be just because we feel connected to them as they are part of the living world.
Walking in the countryside will likely burn a few more calories – going up and down slopes, wind resistance, puddles, the ground may not be totally flat. Also, less pollution. Going to places where cars can’t go will mean cleaner air to breathe.
I love a beautiful view, I stop to look at views and can find it a struggle to step away from it. I would love to live in a house with a view one day. I like to watch the weather and the world go by out of the window but tend to avoid it too much as I think the neighbours must think I am looking into their house (I’m not!).