Nature trips have always been popular with people. Being in the “great outdoors” is considered to be a nice way to spend one’s time. Far from the hustle and bustle of life in an urban environment – or even life in a community – can often be the best way for someone to fight off anxiety. Some natural scenes or sounds produce a calming effect on the mind, helping ward off problems like stress, anxiety, and depression.
However, what constitutes a good nature trip that can help fight off the pressures of modern human civilization might differ from person to person. Factors such as the degree of isolation and the general state of the scenery in the area might be important considerations, along with the patient himself. A man who grew up in a harsh desert climate is less likely to find an arid, dry landscape as comforting as a lush garden.
Waterfalls are usually seen as being very relaxing and good for fighting anxiety, provided the patient is at the bottom and at no risk of joining the water as it falls. Calm forest scenery has also been cited as being very soothing, particularly if accompanied with the stereotypical sounds of a babbling brook. Sometimes, the sunrise has also been known to have the effect of helping alleviate anxiety, though this is not a common perception.
Natural scenes, particularly the quiet and peaceful ones, tend to be the ones that provide people with free, all-natural stress relief. There is no pure scientific data to explain why this is the case, but there is more than enough anecdotal evidence to serve as proof. Some scenes may not be universal in their calming effect, but a large number are.
Which is why it may be a good idea for someone who suffers from a chronic anxiety problem to take a nature trip or two, looking at some of the wonders of the natural world. Not only would it get them away from the stresses and pressures of daily life, it may also give them a better appreciation of the world around them. Popular natural attractions, such as Australia’s Ayers Rock or the Grand Canyon in Arizona, can be very good for this purpose, though one must be careful to avoid getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the tourists that visit. Some people might find the presence of other human beings to be detrimental to their enjoyment and relaxation, so more isolated locales could be a better fit. Another option would be for them to take a trip to those areas alone, or with a small group that they feel comfortable with.
Mountain climbing and camping can also be very relaxing, but these activities are not advisable for all patients. Mountain climbing can cause just as much anxiety as urban life in some people, and it requires a good deal of physical capability to fully enjoy. Camping can be a problem if the person is ill-prepared, alone, and has no idea how to survive in a wilderness setting.
Even just nature walks can do wonders for the soul. Get outside for the day and take in some of the beauty of nature right in your own neighborhood.
Sitting at the beach and listening to the waves, all work great to ease our mind and rejuvenate our souls.
Get out there and see what nature has in store for you!
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