Vitamin N

 

All vitamins and minerals are very important and essential for proper health.  Vitamin N is one that is probably overlooked more than any other.  Vitamin N is essentially a prescription to spend more time in nature. Vitamin "Nature" makes us feel great.  It is why when the sun comes out everyone jumps for joy and heads outside.  Did you know Nature can heal your over-stressed brain, but just how much Vitamin N do we need?  Spending just 10 minutes 2-3 times per week in nature can really make a difference in how you feel.

Here's 5 ways nature can help you be a better you:

*Nature clears your head: A 90 minute walk in a natural environment has a positive impact with lower levels of anxiety and obsessive worry.

*It improves your mood and lowers stress: All types of green exercise activities improve self-esteem and combats negative moods like anger, tension and depression.   

*It spurs creativity: Are you stressing about a big project or exam, take a walk in the woods.  Problem solving skills are thought to originate in the same area of the brain as we use for selective attention and threat detection.  Researchers are concerned that our ability to think creatively is being overwhelmed by the constant stimulus of digital and indoor life.

*It improves your immune system: Sick of getting sick?  Walking in nature has been found to increase our natural killer cell activity.  Natural killer cells are our bodies weapons against invading bacteria and viruses. 

*You're less likely to snack on unhealthy foods: Being more active means decreased likelihood of overeating while being sedentary.

Have you ever heard of "Forest Bathing"?  

For more reading: Why we need Nature

Grab some hydration and go take a walk.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Forest Bathing

While doing a trail running/training session this morning, I ran thru an area that had a completely different aroma then usual.  It was a clean fresh smell.  The oxygen level seemed to be higher.  It was like a burst of energy, so I sprinted faster for a few minutes.  It is very hot and humid in Florida right now, like most places, but every once in a while I come across these "areas".

While Kris and I were in the San Francisco area we enjoyed walking thru the "Muir Woods National Monument".  Even in the light rain, it was one of the most enjoyable walks we have ever been on.  We both commented on how the oxygen from the old growth redwoods made us feel.

This is called "Forest Bathing" From what I have found is that the trees "bathe" themselves in an antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial called phytoncides.  This is how trees combat diseases.  But when humans inhale these it triggers our bodies to produce a special white blood cell called NK or natural killer.  These NK cells attack cancerous and tumorous growths in the body, improving our immune systems. Nature is incredible.

This is just another reason to get outside, especially in a wooded area.

Have a great week. BE KIND. Judd