Walking in nature - prevention of depression

Being in nature reduces stress levels and contributes to well-being. But why is this happening? Is it the fresh air or the sun? Or is the craving for green spaces that is evolutionarily inherent in us?

The positive effects of communicating with nature may be associated with getting rid of rumination - the obsessive state of "chewing" negative thoughts. Endless thinking about grievances , failures, unpleasant life situations and problems that we cannot stop.

Rumination activates a region of the prefrontal cortex of the brain that is responsible for regulating negative emotions. And if a person remains in the grip of bad thoughts for too long, he is only one step away from depression.

But can walks save us from these obsessive thoughts?

To get rid of the mental gum, you need to be distracted by pleasant activities, such as a hobby or a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend. Surprisingly, being in nature is proving to be an even more effective, simpler and faster way to restore mental strength and improve your mood.

The landscape, by the way, does not matter. If there is no way to go out of town, it makes sense to take a walk in the nearest park.

Listening to natural sounds caused the listeners' brain connectivity to reflect an outward-directed focus of attention, a process that occurs during wakeful rest periods like daydreaming.

Listening to nature sounds created an inward-directed focus, which occurs during states of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.

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