Paradise Columbia Best Places In Columbia Must Places Where To? We’re Back Search for: TERMS & POLICY Terms of Use Privacy Policy RECENT POSTS Why Your Counselor Might Advise You To Take A Vacation From Your Work Why You Need A Travel Counselor In Your Family Vacation Workers’ Frequently Asked Questions About DASS And Other Mental Stress Tests Living In A Hotel – A Great Boost For Your Mental Health? Holidays With Family RECENT COMMENTS CATEGORIES Adventure & Sport Spots Lakes & Swimming Destinations Outdoor Haven Parks & Gardens Scenic Fields Uncategorized FOLLOW Why Your Counselor Might Advise You To Take A Vacation From Your Work Is there any person on this planet who thinks that humans work most of their entire life? Having at least eight hours of work is the standard for most countries in the world. For more progressive countries, eight hours of work do not give family and personal life enough time. And not surprisingly, throughout the world, there seems to be an increasing trend of work burnout. This is mostly observed within business corporations. Doing manual labor for an eight-hour duration, on the other hand, is a whole different topic. It can be more physically and mentally stressful than you might think. Yet working has been the primary purpose and means of people to survive. Do you know that Americans work more than any people on the planet? For example, according to the ILO, Americans work 137 more hours per year than Japanese workers. Societies are more civilized than ever in the industrialized world, which is why we cannot take longer vacations. We spend most of our youth taking up multiple jobs to have a fulfilling retirement. This is how humanity created the perfect recipe for stress and burnout. Source: pexels.com Ultimately, stress from work affects various aspects of our health. It can have a serious impact on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Are you feeling overwhelmed with your current working situation? Here are some reasons why your counselor may suggest that you take a vacation leave immediately. Reduce Stress And Decrease Chances Of Burnout When you get tired of exercising, your body needs a rest. Just like working out, we all need to take the time to replenish ourselves. Going on a nice trip or vacation can distract you from your work-related stress. Being in a different setting can help you disconnect from your professional identity to make your personal one. If you are burnt out due to overwork, your counselor might advise you to take vacation leave to improve your mental health. Studies show that vacationing can reduce your stress and ultimately decrease your chances of burnout. Here are other benefits of having a vacation for your mental and emotional wellbeing: Taking a vacation boosts your dopamine, which makes you feel good Having leisure time makes you happier and more satisfied with your life Vacations let you have better sleep Source: pexels.com Your mind and body need to return to their normal, pre-stress functioning so you can avoid the negative effects of long-term stress. Visiting suburban places or even rural ones can help you unwind and feel reinvigorated. This way, you can come back to work more energized and willing to perform better. Vacations Can Improve Your Heart Health Aside from reducing stress and the mental health benefits of taking a vacation, it can also improve your physical health. Work-related other negative stress can contribute to various cardiovascular diseases. Chronic stress and anxiety at work can also increase blood pressure. According to a New York Times report in 2008, taking a vacation at least every two years can lessen the risk of acquiring coronary heart disease. It can also reduce the risk of having heart attacks. Taking the opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and spend time with loved ones can improve your heart health. Traveling for longer occasions can also be beneficial for your overall physical health. If your vacation requires you to do some exercises or practice a sport, it is better. Source: pexels.com Other Reasons Why Your Counselor Might Advise A Vacation Leave The majority of individuals working throughout the day do not have the time for their families. From improving your mental health to your physical health, your counselor may also advise a vacation leave if you struggle with your relationships. There is always room for improvement when it comes to your connection with other people. Vacations can strengthen relationships, whether it be your kids, spouse, friends, or workmates. Traveling and exploring different places with other people can also provide excitement throughout the trip. Talking to them about life or work experiences can alleviate your emotional burden. You can learn how to be more compassionate with one another. Vacation can help you bond them deeper on a personal level. Probably one of the most important purposes of taking a vacation leave is increasing your creativity. Aside from distracting you from work-related stress, going on trips can boost your imagination. Being exposed to new sights, cultures, and languages can revitalize your mind. Moreover, it can also enhance your productivity in the long run. Employees who take their time to recharge mentally are sharper and engaged in their work. When you come back to work, this can translate to better job performance. Whatever the reason for your vacation leave, it is important to pause and rest from time to time. Talk to your counselor if you ever find the need for a break from your work routine. Posted on May 20, 2021 Author esther36 Categories Outdoor HavenLeave a comment on Why Your Counselor Might Advise You To Take A Vacation From Your Work Why You Need A Travel Counselor In Your Family Vacation You might often feel a need to unwind and release your stress. There can also be situations where you long for the summer heat and childhood memories. Whatever your reasons are, going on a vacation with your family is probably the best way to do it. A vacation with your family is more than a retreat experience. It creates life-long memories where you can rebuild relationships. Breaking the usual routine of your family is also beneficial to your health. Being exposed to new cultures, experiences, and cuisines can make you happier and more relaxed. Source: pixabay.com There is no surprise how traveling with your family can be beneficial to your mental health. But it is not so easy to have the perfect getaway experience. You might have some unexpected situations while on the road. You should prepare if you don’t want to have a disastrous experience. But you do not need to fret! Seeking the assistance of a travel counselor can be helpful when planning your trip. You can consult them to prevent the common problems you might have when going on a trip with your family. Read on to know what a traveling counselor is and how they can assist your family vacation. What Is A Travel Counselor And What Do They Do The primary job of a travel counselor is to assist clients who are traveling for work, vacation, or other personal or professional reasons. They research to explore and study various destination options. They also research prices, cultural customs, and weather conditions in each place. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the various travel options, they can show you reviews of the best tourist attractions. Source: pixabay.com Travel counselors are also responsible for studying the client’s specifications and wishes. They see to it that their suggestions are tailored to meet their client’s needs. Moreover, they are also involved in planning and organizing your whole travel experience. Some specific tasks are: Booking your tickets and reserve your accommodations Organizing your transportation rentals Offering you fair travel promos and discounts Providing clients necessary tour guides and point persons Providing travel resources such as maps, event programs, and other informational guides As travel counselors, they must also keep in touch with the latest trends in the tourist industry. To ensure this, they may be required to attend conferences and educational programs. They also need to know about the most recent and updated travel regulations, restrictions, and policies. As part of the agency, they are also tasked with collecting deposits and balances. Travel counselors also need to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare KPI reports as well. But most importantly, they need to build and maintain client relationships. It is crucial in establishing trust and rapport between the two parties. This way, the clients do not have to worry about fraudulent traveling services. Common Travel Problems Your Family May Encounter There are a hundred reasons why your family needs a travel counselor before going on a trip. For many of these reasons, preventing common mistakes in traveling is a major one. If it is your family’s first-time travel, you are sure to make a lot of mistakes. Here are some of the most common problems your family may encounter during your trip: Over- or underpacking One sick family member Not booking enough accommodations Bad weather Being unaware of and paying hidden costs and expenses Booking flights that are too early or too late Getting lost in the itinerary Missing your flight Getting mugged Difficulty when asking for directions (because you can’t speak the language) There is no one solution to these problems. However, you’ll be able to deal with these more easily through thorough preparation. A travel counselor can assist you in making preparations ahead of time. They will inform you of other common mistakes tourists make when it comes to cultural and social practices. Travel counselors can guide you on what to do in case you encounter some of these problems. How A Travel Counselor May Help As previously mentioned, hiring a travel counselor may primarily help you plan and organize your trip. They can offer you a variety of destination options and promos suitable for your family’s needs. Most importantly, a travel counselor can provide you with some knowledge about your chosen attractions. This is especially crucial for families who are traveling together for the first time. It might be helpful for you and your family to have a lot of choices for your trip. A travel counselor can help you a lot, especially if you do not have the time to prepare for a trip. The resources they provide you facilitate preparing your getaway. Source: pixabay.com Travel counselors are also responsible for your welfare as a family. Most travel counselors and their agencies are accountable for your whole trip. They also may offer you insurance to guarantee that your accommodations are safe. Insurance is also crucial for medical emergencies or when your need to cancel your trip. Aside from making your itinerary, your travel counselor can also help you budget your money. As previously mentioned, one of the common mistakes of tourists is being unaware of hidden costs. Hiring a counselor can help your family plan cost-efficient excursions. Especially for expensive trips, this is essential when you want to get the best experience for your family. Lastly, travel counselors can provide you exclusivity and leverage. They are well-researched about the top tourist destinations, and they also know about hidden gems in some destinations. When planning a last-minute trip, you can benefit from their long-term relationships with hotel companies and resorts. Ensuring that your family is in their best condition is one of the keys to a successful vacation. Do not hesitate to consult a travel counselor to improve your traveling experience. Posted on May 17, 2021 Author esther36 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Why You Need A Travel Counselor In Your Family Vacation Workers’ Frequently Asked Questions About DASS And Other Mental Stress Tests Source: pixabay.com Working outdoors in the winter was on my bucket list, even though I had always known that it would be a part-time one. Hence, I went to Switzerland one summer, hoping to work as a waiter in one of the restaurants near the Alps. This way, I could fulfill my dream and go skiing on my off days. To my utter delight, the restaurant that accepted me as a part-timer took mental health seriously. It was the only job I ever had where the administration would have a mental health professional evaluate the employees’ psychological well-being using DASS and other mental stress tests. What is the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale? The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) is a self-explanatory instrument that P.F. Lovibond and S.H. Lovibond developed in 1995 to analyze depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Each issue is a subscale with 14 different symptoms falling underneath them. The higher you score in this examination, the more it entails that the person is emotionally disturbed. Is there a mental stress test? Yes, there is a mental stress test. In truth, psychiatrists can use several of them to help individuals determine their stress levels. Some may prefer to provide self-report methods and checklists; others may choose to interview or observe the patients. In some cases, a doctor can ask for a blood cortisol test. As the name suggests, they will get a blood sample and check the cortisol amount – a stress hormone – in your system. Source: pixabay.com How do you know if you have stress or anxiety? You have anxiety if you experience the following symptoms: Excessive worrying Paranoia Panic attacks Irrational fears Extreme nervousness Meanwhile, you are dealing with stress if you experience these symptoms: Short fuse Fatigue Irritability Anger Digestive issues Muscle pain Headache Sleep deprivation Eating too much Is there a link between stress and depression? Yes, of course, there is a link between depression and stress. As experts put it, stress is one of the major trigger factors of depression as it prevents you from seeing a way out of your issues. The more stress you experience, you more you may feel helpless, hopeless, and worthless. If you cannot cope with the stressful situations you find yourself in, it can develop into depression. What are the five emotional signs of stress? You experience fatigue or apathy You cannot make decisions, no matter how obvious they are You often lose track of everything You are always irritated Your sleeping and eating patterns begin to change What organs are affected by stress? Stress is such a tricky problem that it affects practically every part of the body. It starts in the brain as stressful activities overwhelm you, causing the stress hormone’s overproduction. Then, your muscle tenses up; you do not get enough oxygen circulating in the lungs, your heart rate increases, and your stomach cannot digest food well. Source: pixabay.com Can your body shut down from stress? Yes, your body can shut down from stress, although it may not always cause you to collapse while dealing with a stressful event. Some people suffer from severe fatigue and exhaustion; others feel too stressed that they end up with a mental disorder. Either way, you need to stop doing your activities and keep on resting until you feel like yourself again. What happens if anxiety is left untreated? When you leave your anxiety untreated, you may experience panic attacks more and more, to the extent that they get in the way of your daily activities. You may feel too afraid to talk to anyone, always anticipating that something awful will happen to you. You may even end up choosing not to leave the house, unable to do anything. The worst-case scenario is that your heart rate may often be elevated and lead to heart attack, hypertension, or stroke. What can stress do to a woman’s body? Stress can do the following to a woman’s body: It may cause you to develop ovarian cysts and other reproductive issues It can weaken your immune system significantly It can weaken your cardiovascular and digestive organs It can cause obesity What is toxic stress syndrome? A toxic stress syndrome is a severe form of stress-related issue that a person may experience when one stressful situation comes after another, and they do not have time to deal with any of them. The result is that the stressors pile up, making them unable to figure out how to start fixing things. You can typically see this syndrome in victims of abuse, violence, neglect, or even divorce, especially if they cannot get mental support. Is burnout a mental illness? No, burnout is technically not a mental illness. When someone is burnt out, it means that they pretty much want to give up on an activity regardless of the consequence of doing so and are unable to deal with stressful situations productively. Nevertheless, experiencing burnout indicates that you may have an undetected mental health problem. Source: pixabay.com What is sleep anxiety? Sleep anxiety is a unique form of anxiety that people experience as they try to fall asleep. You may often hear it among insomniacs as they dread bedtimes, knowing that they will lie awake in bed for hours. They may try various things to increase their chances of falling asleep, but they do not always work. Can anxiety mess with your mind? Yes, anxiety can mess with your mind by doing the following: It pushes you to worry about things that are not worth worrying about. It prevents you from taking risks or grabbing opportunities as you believe that something wrong will indeed happen. It affects how you view real situations negatively. It makes you think that someone is out there to get you all the time. What is the root cause of anxiety? A myriad of things can cause anxiety. E.g., stressful work, awful relationships, medical issues, genetics, and other mental disorders. It is not a one-size-fits-all circumstance at all. If you wish to know your anxiety’s root cause, you should soon work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Final Thoughts In reality, my time in Switzerland was not stressful at all. It might have been a healing experience for me, considering my stress level went down every time I took the mental stress tests. When I decided to open a new business back in the U.S., therefore, I made sure to look after my employees’ mental health in the same way. Posted on March 5, 2021 Author esther36 Categories Adventure & Sport SpotsLeave a comment on Workers’ Frequently Asked Questions About DASS And Other Mental Stress Tests Living In A Hotel – A Great Boost For Your Mental Health? Source: pexels.com As I was growing up, I loved to watch the show “Suite Life of Zac and Cody.” It is about twin brothers living in a hotel with their mother, and they would usually get into all sorts of trouble. It was fun to watch because, for me, it looked like a glamorous life; maybe it is because I love hotels, but it all just looked so fun and exciting. I could watch that show for hours and hours back then, and I would sit there and wonder what it would be like if we were to live in a hotel too. Continue reading Living In A Hotel – A Great Boost For Your Mental Health? Posted on October 5, 2020 Author esther36 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Living In A Hotel – A Great Boost For Your Mental Health? Holidays With Family Source: pexels.com Growing up, I have always enjoyed going on holidays with my family. It was the one time when I could spend time with each other without having to feel like time is limited or that we have to worry about being too loud for the neighbors. Continue reading Holidays With Family Posted on September 1, 2020 Author esther36 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Holidays With Family Travel During The Coronavirus Pandemic It has been a long time since the World Health Organization said anything about the world’s travel condition. Since COVID-19 is a public health situation, the organization until now seeks better resolution to help the public in their issues regarding safety and security. But after a couple of months, countries are now easing their measures for the first time. Traveling is now okay following the full lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. People now see the light as to where they can travel and cross countries again. Here are some of the domestic and international travel updates, advisories, and recommendations to look out for. Source: pexels.com The New Normal Of Traveling Unfortunately, there is still no cure for the virus yet. And until now, all people still need to follow social distancing protocol. Regarding traveling, countries are urging their governments to continually control the people’s movement. With that, restrictions for public utility vehicles are still on the table. It is a bit of an inconvenience due to the vast number of people who need public transport. Some countries also issue curfew hours to help limit the visibility of people on the airport terminals and bus stations. Children and the elderly are also not allowed to travel even if it calls for an emergency. The point of the continued restriction is to help the government in contact tracing. Source: pexels.com For domestic travels, pretty much all countries are now allowing people to travel. But, of course, they should follow the social distancing protocol and wear masks properly. And with regards to domestic air and land travels, there are only a few numbers of people allowed to ride a particular vehicle. Unfortunately, most individuals find it inconvenient. However, the goal of that restriction is to encourage individuals to only proceed with essential travel and trade. Honestly, the point of the new domestic travel rules is to convince everybody to stay cautious despite the privilege of traveling again. As for international travels, governments across all countries practice safety measures by denying some foreign entries. That is because temperature screening from border checkpoints alone does not usually prevent, stop, or slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some countries believe that the screening process is not that effective since there are people who happen to be asymptomatic. Yes, some tests can guarantee results in determining who is infected or not. However, the challenge of that process is the delay of time of the result and exertion of effort. That means it is difficult to entirely consider an open trip without seeing a good outcome in both ways. Source: pexels.com Takeaway Most individuals appreciate the already loosen travel restrictions in the past few weeks. Some of them use the opportunity to be with their families and friends again. But when talking about vacations and other leisure trips, the public is still required not to treat the situation lightly and are encouraged to stay within their homes. Honestly, that is the best thing to do since most travel spots are under quarantine and are unable to operate and provide services. Yes, some places already started their reopening phases. But people should note that some of these businesses are only available for a few individuals. There is nothing much people can do about it. Source: pexels.com The World Health organization still doesn’t change its stand on the effects of the Coronavirus. And since there is a continuously growing number of infected individuals worldwide, people might expect another lockdown. Hopefully, that won’t happen again. So if ever you consider traveling in and out of a country, please do follow safety measures. And if it is not that important, you might as well take care of yourself and your loved ones and stay at home. Posted on July 3, 2020 Author esther36 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Travel During The Coronavirus Pandemic Outdoor Activities Allowed In British Columbia During The Pandemic The 2019 Outdoor Event, which is the largest outdoor show, will not happen again until 2021. The pandemic has brought about changes in plans to adjust accordingly to social distancing protocols. While most of the world is encouraged to stay at home, British Columbia still allows some outdoor activities. But these activities require people to observe social distancing. Here are some that you can do: Camping Campgrounds in British Columbia are to re-open by June. Campsites will be on a full distance from other campsites. Also, there will be a limit on the number of allowed visitors in the camping ground. Backcountry cabins and cooking facilities will remain close for the meantime. On the other hand, shower rooms will implement intensive cleaning protocols to ensure the guests’ safety. Source: pexels.com Hiking And Biking Locals can still utilize the biking and hiking trail for recreational use. New signs are in place to remind everyone to keep a safe distance to prevent the spread of the virus. Not all paths are allowed, only those trails that can enable people to maintain six feet distance are operating. While the government allows these kinds of activities, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations, especially the new ones, when going out to do these. Visit Parks Parks remain open despite the pandemic. While authorities allow it, they stress the need to follow the guidelines below strictly. No gathering in groups Keep 2 meters (6 ft) distance Always sanitize and wash your hands Contact activities are not allowed like frisbee and volleyball Limit your visits so that others can get to visit too Authorities say that ignoring of rules puts everyone’s health in danger. They warn against those who will ignore and violate the regulations that they may face trial by public shaming. Source: pixabay.com Staying at home for an extended period may be draining for most. So, allowing these outdoor activities can benefit the well-being of the people. Although these activities might make people feel somewhat normal, it is crucial always to remember to live by the “new normal.” Posted on May 26, 2020 Author esther36 Categories Outdoor Haven, Parks & GardensLeave a comment on Outdoor Activities Allowed In British Columbia During The Pandemic Travel Plans To BC Cancelled – COVID-19 Impact Source: pexels.com My sister lives in British Columbia, Canada, and I was supposed to visit her this May. But with this pandemic going on, my travel plans and the reunion with my sister went to smoke. I have never been there, and she says it is beautiful. She wanted me to see the place, to feel it and experience it. We haven’t seen each other for five years, and we both have been saving up for this trip for the last two years. It is so unfair that this is happening, and I have to accept that it will be another year or so until I get to be with my twin. British Columbia has 2,145 confirmed Coronavirus cases, with 1,357 recovered patients. Right now, their death toll is 112, and while it is not much, their local authorities are implementing strict rules on safety and social distancing. Right now, BC is in a state of emergency, and its government website provides support and information. They have credible articles about COVID-19 and how to keep safe, away from Coronavirus exposure. It also mentioned an emergency benefit for workers since they advocate that their priority is to protect British Columbians. They are setting up plans on protecting their province for this pandemic so that they can effectively respond to it. As for the emergency benefit, they are giving away $1000 for each worker who complies with the requirements. Source: pexels.com Other benefits for BC citizens include: All low to mid-income family earners get a special GST/HST credit payment, which is about $400 to $600. This is a federal benefit. As for their province, they proposed a Climate Action Tax Credit. There is a payment of $218 per adult, $218 for the eldest child, and $64 for every additional child. This is eligible in July 2020. They have set up child care services in case parents cannot take care of their child at this time, no charges. Online tools are available so that kids can continue with their education. Student loans are not due until September 2020. It’s been frozen for six months and at no interest. Those with special needs children can avail of emergency relief funding, if eligible. Businesses that can help out with the COVID-19 situation are encouraged to provide products or services. There is emergency financial support for workers and business owners. As for housing, tenants are not evicted even when they cannot pay – government subsidizes and assists landlords/renters. They even have a mental health support system for everyone. The province came well-prepared for this fight, and it’s because they have good governance and money to spare. This is probably one of the reasons why my sister loves it there, and that she wants me to see how promising BC is for me as well. Source: pexels.com Actually, this vacation was sort of a test drive if I will like the BC way of life. Browsing through that site, I am seeing that BC is taking care of its own. And it’s true. My sister even attested to receiving the benefits. She is unemployed at the moment, but that resourcefulness of her, she just cannot stay idle for long. She loved to cook, just like our mother, and at times, I would hear “Clarita, can you make me those empanadas, one box, please. How much?” She has become a hit with her neighbors, and they ask for her food. That is how she earns there now, so even with unemployment due to COVID-19, she is getting by. We have both accepted that it will take a bit of time before we will be together. But as long as we are both safe, then we will wait. BC, here I come 2021. Or 2022. Who knows. Posted on May 2, 2020 Author esther36 Categories Outdoor HavenLeave a comment on Travel Plans To BC Cancelled – COVID-19 Impact Best Outdoor Activities You Can Do For Free A while back, people held the 2017 Outdoor Activities Conference. The event proved that there are people committed to having fun outdoors and that it comes with many advantages. However, some ventures can be pricey. Not everyone can go camping, fishing, or even biking. So what things can you do for free? Here are some options: Go For A Walk Or A Run If you’re looking for fresh air and some sunshine, then going out for a walk is a simple activity you can do. You can take a short stroll around your neighborhood or go for a quick jog. You can also visit the park and bring your furry companion for added fun. Go Hiking Source: nps.gov If you’re ready to commit to the outdoors, there are several hiking spots near any city or town. If you’ve never tried hiking before, you can ask for a guide or look online for trails that are suitable for beginners. If you’re going somewhere not too far, you won’t have to spend a single penny. Play Tag If you have children – or friends who are kids at heart – why not play a game of tag? The outdoors allows you to run around without worrying about breaking a vase or picture frame. There also isn’t any furniture in the way. You can stretch out those legs all you want! Go Swimming Source: pxhere.com If you’re lucky, you might have a lake or river near where you live. These places are often free for the public to enjoy. If you don’t, there’s likely a public pool you can access. Get up early, pack a bag for the day, and go to the nearest safe body of water and have fun swimming. Yoga, Zumba, And Other Workouts A lot of people go to the gym or yoga studio to get fit. However, memberships can be expensive. Thankfully, there’s now a lot of content available online. You can follow yoga, Zumba, and workout steps through free YouTube videos. You can do these out in your backyard or even at the park for more space and fresh air. Summary Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t have to cost you a single dollar. You have several options available such as taking a walk, hiking, playing a game of tag, swimming, or even merely moving your workout outside. There’s no excuse for us to stay cooped up inside and lose the opportunity to get some sunshine. Posted on April 3, 2020 Author esther36 Categories Outdoor HavenLeave a comment on Best Outdoor Activities You Can Do For Free How The Natural Scenery Of British Columbia Lowers Stress British Columbia is home to some of the majestic views in the world. Here, you can see mighty mountains, rich forests, sparkling lakes and rivers, and many more. The scenery here is close to magical. If you’ve had a long day and want to relieve your stress, come travel to British Columbia. Studies have shown how viewing natural environments reduces an individual’s stress levels. Source: pixabay.com The Positive Effects of the Environment on Us The environment has the power to reduce our stress and make us feel better. “We don’t have to look far into history to know that humans evolved in natural settings and were deeply connected to their ecological environments,” wrote developmental psychologist Marilyn Price Mitchell, Ph.D. “In fact, our connections with nature could just be the best medicine for people of all ages—improving our health, happiness, and well-being,” she says. Several scientists have looked into how much these environments affect our bodies. Depending on the place we are in, what we see or hear may affect not only our mood but also our physiological functions. Here are the different ways nature impacts an individual: Improves Health You may notice physical changes in your body when you are surrounded by nature. Have you ever laid down near the beach, watching the waves, and noticed how your heartbeat slows down? Or perhaps you hiked up a mountain one day and reached the top. When you were there at the summit, beholding the sight, you felt your muscles relax and your blood pressure lower. All of these factors help contribute to lowering your stress hormones. Source: pixabay.com Calms Down Your Nerves Maybe recently, you have walked in a park when you were going through rough times. You must have noticed how, after walking around, you somehow felt better. Being with nature reduces your worries, fears, stress, and even anger. Being able to view incredible sights or take in the fresh air will calm you down. Boosts Your Mood We are often left absorbed by the sight of something natural or pure. A glimpse of a tree in the middle of a field or watching the tides crash over the beach can help change your mood. You end up distracted from all the discomfort or pain you feel. It is a way for you to cope with what you may be going through. “Taking walks in nature lowers anxiety and depression while boosting mood and well-being, a large-scale study showed,” associate director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education Emma Seppala, Ph.D. explains. “Exposure to more light can boost Vitamin D levels that are known to increase mood, especially in colder months.” Source: pixabay.com Being surrounded by peaceful nature is better than being in the city. The noisy roads or smoky streets can’t help but trigger a stressful day for you. The everyday hustle and bustle is the reason why people choose to go out of town for vacations. Views To See In British Columbia Now that you know how well nature can help you, right now you should consider taking a break. British Columbia is endowed with beautiful natural sceneries to help you cool off or relax. These places include mountains, lakes, rivers, and more. Here are 15 of the best spots you should consider visiting. Butchart Gardens Whistler Lussier Hot Springs Vancouver Island Granville Island Lynn Canyon Park Glacier National Park Yoho National Park Stanley Park Pacific Rim National Park Queen Elizabeth Park Great Beat Rainforest Haida Gwaii Alaska Highway Okanagan Valley As excited as you are for the trip, always remember that you should adequately prepare your vacation for the best experience. Richard E. Cytowic, M.D., MFA, professor of neurology at George Washington University, says, “Spending time in natural settings such as parks, lakes, forests, and mountains initially seemed to be a balm for digital distractions, and studies show that regularly engaging with the outdoors substantially reduces activity in the brain’s prefrontal areas that trigger rumination and a constant parade of negative thoughts.” Indeed, nature plays a significant role in both our physical and mental well-being. Always remember to take care of it since it may someday save you as well. Posted on November 4, 2019 Author esther36 Categories Outdoor HavenLeave a comment on How The Natural Scenery Of British Columbia Lowers Stress Posts navigation PAGE 1 Page 2 Page 3 Next page Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress