Out and about in the New Year

So did you make your New Year’s resolution this year? Maybe you vowed to exercise more, become healthier, spend more time with friends and family or generally add peace to your life. For those of you who read this column on a regular basis, it will come as no surprise that I advocate for spending regular time outside with nature as a means to meet each of these resolutions.Scientists have found that spending time in natural settings produces lower concentrations of cortisol (“the stress hormone”), a lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure and higher levels of white blood cells.Levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our mood, rises when we are outside. One study found that people who run outdoors regularly were less anxious and depressed than people who ran indoors on a treadmill, and had higher levels of post-exercise endorphins (the feel-good brain chemicals associated with “runner’s high”). Fresh air is also rich in negative ions, which have been linked to an improved sense of well-being, heightened awareness and alertness, decreased anxiety and a lower resting heart rate. These points are worth noting as the EPA has said that we spend well over 90 percent of our time indoors.Consider the cost of gym memberships, the deleterious health effects that stress from work, life and current events impose on us and the rate at which children grow and families scatter. Then consider the incredible resources available to us here in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut: parks, nature centers, an extensive network of trails, the Housatonic River, beautiful country roads, you fill in the blanks. Going for walks, skiing or paddling can increase family time, significantly reduce stress, build positive attitude, tone muscles, strengthen your heart and much more … all for free. And, while you’re at it, you might just see a plant or animal you’ve never seen before or witness a natural spectacle such as a bald eagle catching a fish.This past weekend, the day after our last snow, my wife and I spent some time with our nieces and nephews. Getting away from the computers and video games, we hiked to an old field on a side hill with our sleds, and spent the afternoon sliding down and walking back up, with spectacular views of the Catskills in front of us. I must admit that we did not see much nature or have any “teachable moments” but we sure had fun and enjoyed the outdoors together.As we enter a new year, I hope you will take advantage of what our beautiful area has to offer and resolve to spend more time outside by yourself and with family and friends. I think you will appreciate the results. Happy New Year to all! Scott Heth is the director of Audubon Sharon and can be reached at sheth@audubon.org, (subject line: Nature Notes).

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