Spending Time in Nature makes you Nicer
Research findings indicate that those who feel a strong connection to nature have a more caring attitude toward others.
Participants in the study were asked to rate the importance of life goals. Those exposed to scenes in nature placed a higher value on connectedness and community as well as a lower value on ideals that were more self-oriented.
So why would immersion in nature instill feelings of selflessness? According to the researchers, it allows you to follow your interests and gives you an enhanced sense of personal autonomy. Feeling more relaxed, you may experience a decrease in your stress level.
If being at one with nature makes you feel better, it makes sense that it could lead to your being more emotionally available to others.
As Sandwiched Boomers are you facing daily pressures with parents growing older and children growing up? Try your own experiment. See how a walk in the park or a hike in the hills impacts you and your relationships. And let us know the results.
Labels: autonomy, life goals, nature, reduce stress, relationships, Sandwiched Boomers, selflessness
2 Comments:
For years now I've let off steam by getting myself to a quiet green place, away from it all.
Great blog! Just an hour (even half an hour!) at a park, nature center, walking path, etc., makes me feel so calm and peaceful. Nature is so rejuvenating and restorative! Wonderful stress-reducer, too.
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