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There are benefits to paddling along the lake, going for a walk in your neighborhood park, or hiking through the woods. Setting aside the straightforward health benefits of living an active life, scientists tell us that connecting with nature helps our brains manage stress.
Living close to a peaceful natural area with a lake, trails, and plenty of trees also impacts you emotionally, leading to overall happier moods. Here are a few reasons why people enjoy living near areas with plenty of natural elements.
Lower ambient temperatures
Cities are often packed with buildings and pavement that reflect heat. Vegetation-rich areas naturally cool the surrounding air and provide shade.
You’ll benefit from lower ambient temperatures in an area with more green space. For example, St. Johns County new homes use less energy for air conditioning because of the incorporated greenbelts in the communities.
Nearby water-dwelling residents appreciate it, too. Cooler surfaces that reflect less heat can lower the temperature of stormwater runoff, resulting in less heat damage to aquatic life.
Limited light pollution
Light pollution is the effect of electric lights drowning out the view of the night sky. But light doesn’t just make it hard to see the stars. It also affects the natural cycles of wildlife.
Personally, I love being able to see the stars at night!
Reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and predatory behaviors depend on the daily cycle of light and dark. Artificial light at night can have a negative impact on amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants.
Vegetation-rich areas provide shade which preserves a traditional lighting situation for all of Earth’s flora and fauna. You’ll feel more connected to nature when you can see the stars at night.
PLUS you’ll feel at peace knowing that you’re contributing to preserving the critical light cycles for the wildlife around you.
Reduced noise levels
We all know that the sounds of water, waves, and birds are soothing when we’re stressed. When you live near water, you’ll benefit from a community in harmony with its natural surroundings, where you’ll feel calm and relaxed listening to the sounds of water lapping the shore.
Nature has natural contours which shield wildlife and human residents from excessive noise. Parks, greenbelts, and other natural areas limit the impact noise makes on the surrounding environment.
Nature increases tranquility
Studies show that people who live near natural areas have lower stress levels than those who live near city parks. The soothing natural sounds and the smell of rich earth and water all bring a peaceful level of calm, and the spectacular views will fill you with joy as well.
Living close to forests and lakes makes people calmer and happier. Even staring at the water crashing on the beach of the Florida Keys for thirty minutes can calm your mind and make you more cheerful.
I know it makes me happy and relaxes me too!
Find your place in nature
Ditch the white noise machine and embrace the real benefits of living near nature. Nature around your home can deliver physical and emotional benefits so you can enjoy the happy, calm lifestyle you seek.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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“Every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier, and to be the best version of you.”
Nature is so inspired Krystle. Nature emits a stable energy, irresistible to us. Powerful post!
I love nature, Ryan! There’s something about how it makes me feel when I am surrounded by it.
I so agree with you. We have a pond we can see from the front porch and I enjoy just sitting out there and enjoying the beauty and quiet.
Nature is the best!
I saw that you had a post on meditation; immersion in nature is meditation with no effort. I live in a rural area with my property bordered on 2 sides by a 10 sq mile plot of wildlife management forest land. All I have to do is step out the door! Had a hard time winding down last night so took a midnight walk & worked like a charm!
It sounds absolutely gorgeous where you live. Can I visit lol?
I can see why it is, we are all connected to the earth as a whole. It’s no surprise that we are drawn to nature. I agree that being able to see the abundant lands, and natural resources, will calm you as a being.
It calms me just thinking about wide open lands and the beauty of it all 🙂