Most of us are overwhelmed by stress, and sometimes we don’t realize how much stress our body holds until we begin to feel anxious. It seems like sometimes it’s just a way of life. We’ve been conditioned to think that the more we accomplish, the better life is. We are always on the go and always looking for the next thing or project that we need to tackle. So, what is the remedy to reducing all this stress?
One of the best and easiest ways to de-stress and wind down is to simply go for a walk. Any kind of walk, anywhere will suffice, however walking in nature has been proven to be a true stress buster and a powerful way to contribute positively to your overall health.
Research in Japan shows that walking in the woods also may play a role in fighting cancer. Plants emit a chemical called phytoncides that protects the plant itself from rotting and also insects. When we are taking that woodsy walk and breathe in, our bodies increase the level of natural killer cells. These cells are a normal part of a person’s immune response to many things including cancer. In addition, our white blood cells increase, our pulse rate and blood pressure decrease along with the stress hormone cortisol.
Instead of one of the many screens at night, choose reading a book, some yoga stretches or deep breathing instead. These are all excellent ways to calm the mind and reduce your stress in the body.
