In this day and age that initiatives to safe forests and oceans pop-up everywhere, you may wonder what exactly it is that nature does for you and why you would want to spent your holiday in nature. Fact is that nature makes our stress levels go down. And the best part: it has been proven to work for everyone, also for you.
Neuroscientists have found that nature has an influence on our brain. The part of your brain that is engaged in our hectic, modern life’s, deactivates a little bit when you are outside in nature. Alpha waves grow stronger, just like they do when Buddhists meditate. You become calmer and more alert.
Immune cells increase
Did you know that our immune cells increase when we spent time outside? These cells fight bad cells which can lead to all kinds of (serious) diseases. Especially in winter you hear about people having a shortage of vitamin D, which makes them more vulnerable to catch a cold or a flu. Sunshine has a positive effect on our immune system.
Can help to deal with trauma’s
Walking in a forest with a friend or therapist also makes it easier to talk then when you are sitting, face to face, in a dull office. This combined with the fact that you will be more calm and focussed will more likely lead to new insights and visions. On top of that, you will sleep better after a few hours of exercise in the open air. Locking yourself up inside is never a good idea but something we often do when not feeling well or psychologically wounded.
In Japan they have introduced the term“forest bathing” and created therapy trails. It does not mean they actually take baths in the forests. It simply means walking in a forest and submerging yourself in the green, hearing the birds and smelling the flowers.
Prevent depression
Finland, the number one of the 2018 World Happiness Report, has public health officers which recommend that people spent a minimum of 5 hours per month in the forest in order to prevent depression. It has been proven that nature helps us with problem-solving, social bonding, our feeling about ourselves.
YŪGEN tours is convinced that spending your well-earned holiday in green and sunny surroundings, does not only guarantee lots of fun and relaxation, but also has many health advantages. Prevention is always better than cure so if you happen to have any travel intentions, feel free to have an inspirational look at www.yugentours.com. We offer something for everyone, from a walk in a National Park to canyoning in the most amazing rivers. Below we focus on 3 special regions where you are bound to relax in nature.
Corcovado NP in Costa Rica has been described by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on earth in terms of biodiversity, as it hosts 13 different types of ecosystems in such close proximity supporting an abundance of stunning wildlife. The 105 000 acre park is widely considered the “crown jewel” in Costa Rica’s extensive system of national parks and biological reserves. It also contains one of the few remaining coastal, virgin, lowland rain forests in existence.
Northern Portugal is less touristic than the southern part of the country. Along the pristine coast YŪGEN found an ecological 4* hotel. The construction of the bungalows and main building exists mainly out of wood and pine tries are dotted all over the hotel premises.
This hotel also has a first class sports center and a spa, making it a great spot to base yourself for a holiday full of water sport fun, biking and hiking.
Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only National Park of Portugal, makes a nice day trip and is perfect for hiking or horse-riding. If you like to spent more time here, you can go camping, rent an authentic house or a room in a cosy B&B or hotel. The options are ample.
The Okavango Delta is the biggest inland Delta in the world! Slide silently with a wooden canoe through some of the many canals which are full of life. Get out and take a walk in the lush surroundings with a knowledgeable guide. At the end of the day, put up your tent along the shore and listen to the sounds of nature.
Grab your chance to take the meaning of Forest Bathing literally in the moste beautiful bathroom you have ever seen.
Discover more beautiful area's at www.yugentours.com or sent a message to hello@yugentours.com. We will be more then happy to create your personal adventure in nature.
More information about this subject can be found in many publications on the internet, or in one of our favorite books, called The Nature Fix, written by Florence Williams.
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