Nature Rx absolutely nailed it when they made the following drug commercial spoof highlighting the benefits of getting outside in nature.
The humourous makers of the Nature Rx commercials are not just in for the laughs though. They also highlight the benefits of nature including a Stanford University study. The study found "quantifiable evidence that walking in nature could lead to a lower risk of depression."
“This finding is exciting because it demonstrates the impact of nature experience on an aspect of emotion regulation – something that may help explain how nature makes us feel better,” said lead author Gregory Bratman.
Nature Rx struck another key chord with me. Given my background as a palliative oncology pharmacist being able to prescribe something with virtually no adverse effects (other than perhaps physical injuries depending on activity) is something of a revelation.
I'll be diving into the topic of internal chemistry (e.g. "runner's high") highlighting that substances our Sapien body's produce (e.g. endogenous cannabinoids and opioids) when exercising (especially in a nature) in a later article.
So go on. Get outside. Hit the trails. Explore outdoors. Consider it your lifelong prescription.
P.S. When you have time after hitting the trails, report back here at Trail Lynx and share you trail report and experience!
(Photo credit: sakulich, Pixabay)