For many Americans stress is something they live with daily, but it can be a serious health risk. Stress has been linked to high blood pressure, risk of stroke and decreased effectiveness of your body’s ability to fight off disease. Luckily, there appears to be a natural and easily accessible means of reducing stress: looking at trees and greenery.
Image via Kerstin Klaassen on Getty ImagesGreen is Calming
Scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh released a study which showed how simply walking or being around green areas such as parks, forests or one’s own backyard was inherently calming. With so many things vying for our attention, without rest from the “noise” our brains become fatigued, which translates to stress. Walking among greenery allows the brain to reset in a calming setting.
Challenging but Calming
The study found that while a natural environment, whether it be a city park, forested area or a well landscaped backyard, could be ‘busy’ with lots of different flora, the brain was not as engaged in the same way it might be on a busy city street. So while walking among trees may have plenty to see, the brain did not require as much "processing power" to take it all in and so stress was reduced naturally.
If you're feeling stressed in your home in Kansas City, consider adding more green to your yard. Cartwright Tree Care can provide tree and shrub care for your plants to keep them green and healthy and further reduce your stress. Call us at 816-965-6758 for more information.