We all know the benefits of training: improve body strength and lose extra weight, invigorate heart and lungs, develop perseverance and teach discipline.
Of course, a simple walk would take us more time for burning the same amount of calories but, besides having low impact on knees and legs joints, it has a great impact on mood permitting socialization, digital detox and routines breaks.
Doing this surrounded by nature in Japan has an even higher importance becoming a real psychophysical therapy, the Shinrin-yoku (forest bath). This is based on breathing air in forests which maximize the intake of negative ions in the air that helps to increase health, mental clarity, cognitive functioning and energy levels. In addition, essential oils emitted within plants decrease cortisol concentration in our body reducing stress.
The following reports provide scientific support to these effects!
Decrease in blood pressure and stress
A Public Health study shows the results of psychological tests consisting in comparing feelings scores after stimulating subjects in natural environment and in urban surroundings. In natural settings positive feelings scores are higher and negative feelings scores significantly lower due to the salivary cortisol level decreasing (stress hormone).
Immune system booster
A research of Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology demonstrates how forest bathing increase levels of natural killer (NK) cells which are important in combating infections, increasing levels of intracellular anti-cancer proteins and decreasing concentration of adrenaline in urine. None of these effects has been found as result of city tourist visits.
Nature experience reduces rumination (repetitive thought focused on negative self aspects)
In a Stanford University experiment, participants who went on a 90-min walk through a natural environment showed reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment. These results suggest that accessible natural areas may be vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world.
Conclusion
Mountains offer socialization, fitness, meditation, routines and technology detox, self-discovering, nature contact and amazing panoramas. Alps surround northern Italy and with their easy access give to anyone the opportunity to live all of it.
