Nowadays, we are all busy, aren't we? With office work, housework, and children's work, sometimes we don't even have time to think about ourselves. With this busy life, there are also many diseases that affect our body and mind. Things like high blood pressure , depression, and asthma have become common among many people today. So, taking a lot of pills for this has also become a part of life. But, imagine, if we were told that we can reduce the use of these drugs and get help from nature, would you believe it?
What is this new discovery?
A recent large study in Finland found something very interesting. That is, urban people who regularly spend time in green spaces, such as parks and gardens, have less need for medication for conditions like depression, high blood pressure, and asthma than those who don't.
The study involved more than 7,000 people living in three large cities in Finland. They were asked how often they spent time in "green spaces" near their homes, such as forests, parks, gardens, and meadows, and "blue spaces" such as the sea, lakes, and rivers. They were also asked whether they could see a green environment or a water body when they looked out their windows.
Then, they also looked at whether these people were taking medication for conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure , and asthma.
The results are truly amazing!
The results of this study are really important. Simply put, people who walk in a green space three or four times a week are about a third less likely to need medication for these diseases than those who don't.
Imagine how big that is! Look at this data.
| Condition | Reduced Likelihood of Medication Use |
|---|---|
| Mental Health Issues | A 33% chance of a decrease |
| High Blood Pressure | A 36% chance of a decrease |
| Asthma | A 26% chance of a decrease |
Another important finding from this study is that this benefit is not affected by your income level or social status. That means anyone can benefit from this simple thing. However, there is one thing. This study has shown that for someone who is obese or severely obese, this benefit from nature may be slightly reduced. Therefore, while hanging out with nature, it is also very important to control our body weight .
Why is this happening? How does nature help us?
Now you're probably wondering, "How does walking in a park reduce stress?" There are several reasons for that.
Reduced stress
Things like the green of the trees, the sound of birds, and the fresh air bring a wonderful sense of calm to our minds. This environment helps reduce the stress hormones in our bodies, such as `(Cortisol)`. When the mind is free, it also helps control blood pressure.
Increased physical activity
When you go for a walk in the park, you are exercising without even realizing it. This walking improves blood circulation in the body and improves the functioning of the heart . This is very good for blood pressure and mental health.
Better air
Especially for people with asthma, the dusty, smoky air in the city is not good. Since the air is relatively clean in a place full of trees, you can stay away from triggers that aggravate asthma.
The most important thing is, don't let this be a reason to stop taking the medication your doctor prescribed. This is a very valuable, simple thing you can add to your lifestyle, in addition to medication.
So what should we do?
It doesn't cost much to do this. All you have to do is something very simple.
1. Find a park, playground, or tree-lined street near your home. If there's no such place, spend some time in your own backyard.
2. Set a goal to spend 20-30 minutes in a place like this at least 3 or 4 days a week. It's better to go for a walk with a friend or family member.
3. You don't have to exert yourself too much. Walk calmly, enjoying the environment . Breathe deeply. Put your phone aside for a moment, and look at the things around you.
4. Talk to your doctor about this. It is very important to tell your doctor about making these changes to your lifestyle. He or she will be able to give you better advice.
This is a great investment in your body and mind. Rather than just trying to cure your illness with pills, the benefits of incorporating simple, natural methods into our lives are far more valuable.
Take-Home Message
- Spending time in green spaces such as parks and gardens can reduce the need for medication for high blood pressure, asthma, and depression .
- You can achieve good results by walking or spending time in a place like this at least three or four times a week.
- This is in no way a substitute for the medical care you are already receiving or the medication prescribed by your doctor. It is something you can do in addition to improving your health.
- This is a simple habit that costs nothing, can be easily done by anyone, and is very beneficial for the body and mind.
- Before making any changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle, always talk to your doctor.
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