Unrealistically high expectations of the "best holiday ever," the constant activity and stimulation, and the stress of shopping, wrapping presents and cooking, as well as spending time with people you might not get along with, can lead to feeling stressed, and for some people, to anger and depression.
Fortunately, there’s a simple step to alleviate the strain – simply walk out the door and head for the nearest park.
That’s the advice of environmental health expert Dr J. Aaron Hipp, assistant professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Hipp investigates the person-environment relationship in the context of environmental change. This includes the psychosocial and physical health outcomes associated visits to and use of publicly funded open space, such as public parks. change.
Recharge Your Emotional Batteries in a Park
“Spending time in a park is a restorative activity that can recharge your batteries,” he said. Walking to the park is good exercise, even on a cold wintry day, and the time taken to get there can calm down stirred emotions, and help you relax and refocus.
It can also be a low-key, fun way to spend time with the family. “Put it on your calendar to bundle up, get outside and enjoy the crisp air and smells of the holiday season,” he said. “It’s the perfect gift to yourself and family.”
Improve Your Mood with a Walk in the Park
Dr Hipp said research has linked visiting parks to improvements in mood, concentration and positive feelings. People taking a walk in or even viewing a park report reduced feelings of depression, anxiety, anger and tension. “Some doctors are even making ‘park prescriptions’,” he said.
Neighbourhood parks encourage people to take their children and dogs to run and play, and older people to walk there to relax.
"People with access to nearby natural settings have been found to be healthier overall than other individuals, and are more satisfied with life in general," said another health and social development researcher, Dr Mardie Townsend, associate professor in the School of Health and Social Development at Australia's Deakin University, who recently reviewed the research literature on nature and human health.
"Having access to appealing natural environments encourages physical activity, which has obvious benefits. It also has a calming effect, reducing stress and blood pressure,” she reported.
Make a New Year’s Resolution to Enjoy Parks More
Dr Hipp urged holiday makers to make a resolution to visit parks more often in 2010, preferably as part of a regular routine. “A resolution to take advantage of local parks can contribute to a healthy, green year,” he said, adding, “Plus, a walk in the park can help you relax and refocus on New Year’s resolutions that may already have been broken.”
The regular exercise to be gained from walking, jogging, running, roller skating or cycling through your local park will improve your physical health, while Dr Townsend’s research shows the emotional benefits from enjoying the natural beauty.
Less stress, lowered blood pressure, fewer headaches and illnesses, greater job satisfaction among workers and quicker recovery rates for post-operative patients have all been linked to feasting the eyes on natural landscapes.
"We gain life by looking at life," Dr Townsend concluded.
You might also be interested in reading Holiday Blues Can Be Lifted, along with The Benefits of Enjoying Nature and Mental Health Benefits from Nature.
Sue Cartledge - I'm a science, health, nutrition and lifestyle journalist, fascinated by the way the physical world operates in all its forms, and how ...
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