By Claire Brinsden Jordan
Nature that Nurtures
GO WILD TO REDUCE STRESS
April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s more important than ever to address how our busy lives, closely intertwined with technology, create unhealthy levels of stress.
While it is widely known that you can reduce stress with exercise, plenty of sleep, meditation, yoga and breathwork, there’s a simple way to reduce stress that is sometimes overlooked – nature. Spending time in nature is essential to our physical and mental health, but people in urban areas spend too much time indoors and away from our veritable “roots.” San Diego journalist Richard Louv coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder” to describe the negative effects of our alienation from nature. So how much time in nature do we need for good health and well-being?
According to a study of 20,000 people conducted by the University of Exeter in England, we need at least two hours a week outside in nature to reduce stress. This two-hour minimum can be enjoyed in a single outing or spread over several visits throughout the week. According to the Yale School of the Environment, over 1,000 studies all suggest the same thing – that assuming you feel safe, spending time in green spaces and natural environments reduces both physical and psychological stress.
How does spending time in nature reduce stress levels? As far as physical effects, it lowers blood pressure, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and enhances immune system function. There are many benefits to mental health as well. Spending time in nature provides inspiration and a sense of belonging, raising self-esteem. It calms the nerves and boosts mood, combating both depression and anxiety. Time in nature can even improve cognitive development in children, and cognitive function in adults. Getting outside is not only good for our own health and well-being, but also for those around us. Research suggests that being in nature increases empathy and cooperation. Nature reminds us of our connectedness.
There are various ways to enjoy time in nature. Go for a walk or hike and search for flowers, listen for birds, watch for wildlife. Enjoy your favorite outdoor exercise, including running, biking, paddle boarding or kayaking. Set up a picnic under the shade of trees or hang a hammock and read a book. Fortunately, there are numerous beautiful, natural spaces in South Pinellas where we can step away from our screens and “go wild.” North of downtown St. Pete is Sawgrass Lake Park, a swamp conservation area with a one-mile boardwalk as well as a half mile dirt path for observing wildlife. Weedon Island Preserve encompasses over 3,000 acres with hiking trails as well as a paddling trail. South of downtown St. Pete, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers 245 acres on the shores of Lake Maggiore with walking trails and abundant wildlife. Clam Bayou Nature Preserve in the Broadwater neighborhood has kayak and paddler trails, as well as recreation trails. And, of course, there are plenty of city parks and “blue spaces” along the beaches and waterfronts that connect us with nature close to home.
This month as we acknowledge and address the stressors in our lives, remember that when it comes to reducing stress, Mother Nature knows best!
GO DRY TO DE-STRESS
It’s common to have a beer or glass of wine to unwind and relax, especially when you feel stressed. In the short term this helps by releasing endorphins and boosting serotonin. But studies show that relying on alcohol as a stress reliever in the long term has the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant that alters the brain chemistry, triggering the release of cortisol – the stress hormone – that exacerbates depression and anxiety, and leads to a dependence on alcohol. There are much healthier ways to deal with stress in your life, and you don’t have to sacrifice your social life or your taste buds to go dry. There are numerous restaurants and bars in St. Pete that offer “mocktails” and non-alcoholic (NA) alternatives. Cassis and Flute & Dram on Beach Drive, Copa, The Dog Bar and Wild Child on Central Ave., and The Ship’s Hold on Fourth Street offer a variety of “mocktails.” And if you want to enjoy some NA beverages at home, the bottle shop Herban Flow on 22nd Ave. N offers a wide selection of NA spirits, wines and beers, as well as a sampling bar.