After a long day of sitting on the couch and staring at the computer or phone for work, most of us choose to continue lounging on the sofa watching TV to relax. There is a much better way, which is to temporarily leave the addictive electronic devices, step outside and find fresh air, connect with the magical nature - the most powerful healer.
Being in nature can help you feel grounded and centered. When life’s stresses start to weigh on you, a change of scenery is the perfect way to lighten the load. Incorporating outdoor activities into your wellness routine can be a great way to prevent mind-body overload.
Many studies have shown that spending two hours a week in nature is linked to improved health and well-being. This is not a difficult amount of time to set aside each week for swimming in the ocean, or for urban dwellers to walk around the park.
The range of benefits from connecting with nature, based on extensive research, include:
- Improve memory
- Better concentration
- Soothe feelings of depression
- Reduce stress and anger
- Improve self-confidence and self-esteem
Perhaps the greatest benefit of spending time in nature is that you’ll feel more connected, not just to nature, but also to your community and the world around you. Studies measuring brain activity have found that when participants view natural scenes, the part of the brain associated with empathy lights up, suggesting that green spaces create a connection between the viewer and the planet and other people.
Lumina Retreats uses this knowledge to introduce its practical activities and the Halong Wellness Cruise program spends a lot of time in nature. Gliding on the calm water with rows of green trees on both sides or majestic rocky mountains interspersed, while you practice yoga, meditate, connect with your breath... promises to bring comfort and recovery to body and mind.
Studies also show that the longest-living people are active, but not too active. They move and exercise every day instead of spending hours each week on intense workouts, and often exercising in nature has many benefits for the body:
Forest bathing
If you’re looking for ways to experience nature at its deepest, then forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a way to simply be fully present and connect with nature through all five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Leave your phone and other electronic devices at home. The idea is to observe each thing with all your senses—the rustling of leaves, the smell of wet earth after a rain, or the vibrant colors of butterflies—without distraction, and a sense of calm is born.
Earthing - Connecting with the Earth
“Earthing” is another simple method: walking barefoot on the ground, grass or sand, to increase the connection between the body and the earth, which has its own energy field. Some studies emphasize that direct contact with the Earth’s electronic particles improves health by increasing antioxidant levels, reducing inflammation, and promoting sleep. Walking in general creates a rhythmic rhythm for the body and mind, as it is soothing and nurturing, allowing us to meditate while walking. Walking barefoot in nature is both relaxing and increases concentration.
Blue Mind - Blue Mind
Water is one of the elements that brings many benefits and helps people live happier. We always remind ourselves that water makes up about 60% of our body and we should drink water every day, while the habit of walking on the beach or lakeside also brings many miraculous health benefits that you do not expect. In the book "Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols, science has shown the importance of water in enhancing human physical and mental health. Places with water are said to contain many negatively charged ions, releasing serotonin and reducing cortisol - a hormone that causes stress and fatigue. A relaxing walk on the beach or swimming can help us feel calmer and happier.
We look forward to welcoming and guiding you on your journey to pristine blue seas, mysterious caves and other magnificent landscapes!
Hotline - 0987 101 577
Website - www.luminaretreats.com
