Staying WELL is all about nailing the basics
“… whether it’s a bush walk, a dip in the sea (the central coast has 87km of coastline), or time with animals … if we put our phones away and take out the Air Pods nature can activate whole-system sensory awareness. This is incredible (and free), because awareness is the foundation for change. Nature allows us to ‘be,’ a human be-ing, and attend to what is present, rather than subscribing to racing and rushing thoughts and behaviours of a human ‘do’-ing on autopilot…” Anna Remond
WORDS: Jacqueline O’Neill
Staying WELL is all about nailing the basics
3. Getting out into Nature
Recent studies, including a 2019 report from the University of Exeter Medical School, have found spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, asthma hospitalisation, mental distress among adults, and ultimately increases life expectancy. Stepping onto the great outdoors also has a slew of mental health benefits, including better self-reported health, improved cognitive functioning and development (in the case of children) as well as improved birth outcomes.
Anna Remond, local psychologist and found of Outlook Ecotherapy (@outlookecotherapy) uses nature’s therapeutic benefits in her day-today practice, with many of her sessions place outdoors. “Whether it’s a bush walk, a dip in the sea (the central coast has 87km of coastline), or time with animals (such as the dog park with our fury friends), nature activates whole-system sensory awareness. If we put our phones away and take out the Air Pods, we can allow this awareness to be come the foundation of a rnage of positive changes” Anna explains. “Nature allows us to be a human be-ing, and attend to what is present, rather than subscribing to racing rushing, routine thoughts and behaviours of a human ‘do’-ing on autopilot.
Other ways we love to spend time outdoors on the coast include taking a surf lesson at Avoca with Central Coast Surf Academy (@surfacademy), a trail ride on horseback at The Outlook Riding Academy (@theoutlookridingacademy) or explore the many National Parks and reserves the Central Coast has to offer on foot.
Read more in Central Coast Life and Style. Edition 13 Autumn pages 28 to 31
https://centralcoastlifeandstyle.com.au/magazine