national parks

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Nature Therapy
3 Low-Key Ways To Increase Your Time Outside
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Nature Therapy is an old way of life: The Japanese culture has a concept of healthy living called the “forest bath.”
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It involves spending time outdoors in a natural setting, away from the hectic pace of modern life, enjoying the peace and serenity of a forest, park or backyard area.
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For hundreds of years, their culture has understood that time spent in natural areas can help to reduce stress and improve your health.
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Today, this idea is seeing renewed interest. You can easily find ways to spend time outdoors in a laid-back way if you employ these tips. These are all about: Nature Therapy!

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Nature Therapy Suggestion #1:
Visit Your Community’s Green Spaces
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Communities around the country have begun to understand the value of providing Natural Therapy “green spaces” for residents of cities and towns that allow them to relax among trees, gardens and water features.
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These areas can be an effective anti-dote for daily stress and provide opportunities for healthy exercise such as jogging, biking, rowing and athletic games.
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Your community’s outdoor spaces are also a good place to re-connect with children, providing healthy physical activity in the age of computer screens and smartphones.
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Parks and gardens also become meeting places to connect with neighbors and others in the community. These areas provide an oasis of quiet and beauty that is available to everyone who wishes to enjoy them.
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Take advantage of these green spaces that are so conveniently located in your neighborhood, to refresh your body and your spirit.
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Nature Therapy Suggestion #2:
Create An Outdoor Retreat on Your Property
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You can also make your own Nature Therapy nature retreat under the trees in your own back yard.
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Installing an outdoor hot tub can provide a relaxing oasis from the hectic, modern world where you can enjoy a moment of serenity, or share your retreat with friends.
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Hot tubs and spas are available in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can choose one that best suits the outdoor space in your yard.
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Sitting quietly in a gazebo or under a pergola in your yard can help you to refresh your mind after a hard week at work. You can also use these structures for entertaining friends and family members, to share your oasis with those you love.
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With these additions, you can make a perfect spot to unwind from the day.
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Nature Therapy Suggestion #3:
Vacation at a National Park
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A visit to one of our nation’s beautiful national parks provides a low-key vacation with plenty of activities to entertain all members of the family, and still allows opportunities to recharge your emotional batteries, Nature Therapy style!
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These preserved areas of the country offer hiking, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing and rafting amid ancient forests, spectacular mountains, magnificent waterfalls and serene lakes and rivers.
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Entry fees are affordable at national parks across the country. Costs for lodging and meals at national parks are generally lower than a pricey resort vacation, which makes a low-key dent in your budget. In addition, they generally offer camp grounds with a variety of amenities.
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National parks are popular vacation destinations, so you should make your reservations well in advance of your trip.
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Scientists have found that spending time in natural areas has a number of beneficial effects on body and mind.
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Being outdoors in nature involves moving around, walking, balancing and climbing which is good for your overall physical health.
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In addition, the calming colours, sounds and textures of the outdoors helps to calm and energize people both mentally and psychologically.
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If you want to feel energized, with an improved mood and a profound sense of well-being, get outdoors and commune with nature. Adopt Nature Therapy into your life!
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Freelance Writer, Emma Sturgis emmasturgis@gmail.com
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