— Spending time outside will help reduce stress and anxiety, the American Heart Association says. It may also boost feelings of happiness and improve your mood, the AHA says.

Here’s its take on how a walk in the woods can help tame a few of life’s stresses:

• The hustle and bustle of an urban environment invites stress and anxiety. By escaping to nature, you can calm your nerves with quiet sounds and serenity.
• Research shows that a 90-minute nature walk lowers activity in the part of the brain linked to negative thoughts.
• A change of scenery can help stir up creativity and offer inspiration that cannot be derived from being indoors.
• Time spent outdoors may boost a sense of belonging to the wider world, which is important for mental health.

Posted: October 2018

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