Nature’s Therapeutic Benefits

There is a solid findings affirming that direct contact with nature increases mental health, psychological and spiritual development. Based on researches, nature helps:

Minimize Anxiety 

More than 100 research studies disclose that outdoor recreation reduces stress. In a research of individuals exposed to stressful videos of accidents, those who watch a succeeding nature video recovers quicker than those who watch a video with different content. Accordingly, a view of nature even through a window hustles recovery from surgery, enhances work efficiency, and augments work contentment. By watching the ever-changing environments in nature, individuals nurture an upbeat attitude, rehabilitated concentration, alertness, and sensory responsiveness.

Nature has therapeutic attributes treating conditions like attention disorders and depression; the greener a child’s everyday environment the more manageable their symptoms of attention-deficit disorder. Taking a “green walk” reduces their depression (71%), trims down their tension (50%), and amplifies their self-esteem (90%).  The Holy Scriptures even affirm these as it re-echoes:

Sirach 13:25 The sign of a good heart is a cheerful countenance; withdrawn and perplexed is the laborious schemer.

Sirach 30:21-22 Do not give in to sadness, torment not yourself with brooding; Gladness of heart is the very life of man, cheerfulness prolongs his days.

Sirach 30:24 Envy and anger shorten one's life, worry brings on premature old age.

Sense of Purpose and Belonging 

Being in nature also bequeaths a sense of attachment, significance, and purpose because the more we appreciate the interconnectivity between nature and human as teamwork in conservation of ecosystem, the more we appreciate sense of purpose and belonging, as preservationist and Sierra Club founder John Muir 

1838-1914)  says, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you… while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

High-esteem and pleasure of nature likewise lead to a sense of spirituality and a gratitude for powers mightier than oneself because it’s only through silence that we could apportion a quality quiet time that gives opportunity to talk to God more privately and solemnly. “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better,” as legendary physicist Alber Einstein (1879-1955) says. 

Even Jesus Himself spends His quiet time that the Father in Heaven may give Him strength to face whatever the future may look like, as the Scripture says:

Matthew 14:23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. 

Intensified Sense of Awareness and Self-progression 

Trekking through the wilderness combines an intensified sense of awareness of one’s environments with the call to be part of nature. Nature trippers comprehend and process environmental information through mapping, exploring, and interpreting the landscapes, obstacles, and surroundings; a physical activity which minimizes anxieties, risk of disease, and perks up psychological welfare. As a matter of fact, research recommends outdoor exercise as more beneficial than indoor exercise.

In nature, people discover that challenge is actually the occasion for self-progression, develop an internal attitude of control, and develop self-reliance. Wilderness encounters bestow people with optimism in the inescapability of nature and the pace of life, mixed up with a nourishing aptitude to surrender control. Nature-goers realize to believe on their natural aptitude to conquer both expected and unexpected hurdles and to be grateful that things work out even if they aren’t in utter control, which eventually develops confidence and a sense of self-worthy and fulfillment.

According to the research, natural spaces arouse children’s imaginations and creativity, and playing outdoors improves cognitive suppleness, problem-solving aptitude, and self-discipline. 

Sirach 30:23 Distract yourself, renew your courage, drive resentment far away from you; For worry has brought death to many, nor is there aught to be gained from resentment 

Sense of Community 

Likewise, the nature-goers’ shared challenge offers the extra advantages of connection, social support, closeness, and the ability to lend a hand, turning it as  a community or family unit

Adolescence which is an angst-ridden stage of self-discovery is the ideal time to discern the lessons nature can teach. Teens that are immersed into a wilderness encounter leave their family, their familiar community and environment and the roles they have adopted to experiment fresh social roles which develops a new self-image, a new way of relating to other people and the environment, and new modes to react to the daily life’s challenge. Ideal candidates for therapeutic wilderness programs are students exhibiting at-risk behaviors like disobedience, rebellion, trialing with drugs and/or alcohol, sexual promiscuity, poor school performance, and other behavioral complexities.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.

1 Thessalonians 13:14 Show esteem for them with special love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. 

Further, the best antidote for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go somewhere where they can be hush privately with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God desires to see His creations happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.  Nature brings relief in all dilemmas.

References:

1. http://www.crchealth.com, Why Nature Is Therapeutic
2. Lecia Bushak, Benefits Of Ecotherapy: Being In Nature Fights Depression, Improves Mental Health And Well-Being, http://www.medicaldaily.com 
3. Carol Sorgen, Nature therapy may mean that better health is right outside your door, http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/nature-therapy-ecotherapy

15 Low-priced yet marvellous places of interest

8. Borawan and Dampalitan Islands, Quezon

They claim that Borawan is a portmanteau, Boracay and Palawan. Its name origins from the word bulawan which means gold.

Its soaring cliffs hug the white shores of Borawan, reminiscent of many islands like El Nido and Coron. It is one of the many islands off the coast of Padre Burgos and Pagbilao, Quezon, that cuddle up magnificent white sand beaches! 

9. Festival in Quezon, Batangas, Rizal, or Pampanga

Mark your calendars to catch the most energetic and most exciting festivals near Manila:

Pahiyas Festival – May 15 in Lucban, Quezon

Parada ng Lechon – June 24 in Balayan, Batangas

Higantes Festival – November 23 in Angono, Rizal

Giant Lantern Festival – Saturday before Christmas, San Fernando, Pampanga

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta – 3rd Week of February, Clark, Pampanga

Pahiyas Festival is a celebration of the good harvest, in honor of San Isidro de Labrador. A parade roams around town passing by houses that are creatively decorated with vegetables and kiping, a colorful ornament made from rice. 

10. Angono, Rizal and Paete, Laguna

Pay a visit to the house of Carlos “Botong” Francisco and be acquainted the national artist better.

On the other hand, learn the art of sculpture and witness how this craft has become the center of the lives of the people of Paete! Conquer your fears and descend into the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan. The province is also dotted with numerous antique churches, ancestral houses, and unique restaurants. 

11. Waterfalls in Pagsanjan and Pangil, Laguna

Take a small boat and be astounded with how the boatmen masterfully conquer the rapids and the rocky stream on the way to the waterfall. 

12. Freedom Islands

Freedom Island and Long Island, collectively called Freedom Islands, is situated off the coast of Paranaque and Las Piñas. More formally known as Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, the Freedom Islands have an enormous ecological role in the area. It is the last surviving mangrove forest and salt marsh frontier in Metro Manila.  These two islands also function as a sanctuary for many marine life forms and a sanctuary for more than 80 species of birds, both local and migratory. 

13. Corregidor Island

This tadpole-shaped island is situated at the mouth of Manila Bay and was a strategic military base during World War II. 

14. Death March in Bataan

The activity here can be very enlightening and rewarding to history aficionados. 

15. Puerto Galera

It has been the go-to summer destination among city-dwellers for beach activities such as swimming and beach bumming. Puerto Galera is a great diving destination. Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, it is one of the destinations with the abounding marine biodiversity in the world.

Page 1  2

15 Low-priced yet marvellous places of interest

The escalating inexpensive carriers has made this world a lot smaller and fascinating destinations closer. The far-flung islands north and south turns to be effortlessly within reach to Manila-dwellers, who are willing to run away from the heat of the city to a seventh heaven that can give them a soothing and thrilling affair with nature. 

If you’re searching for illustrious vacation spots that are just within proximity of the capital, you may consider these suggestions:     

1. Mt. Pinatubo

It’s a long way but the spectacle is definitely worth the time and effort. Watch the rim of the crater slope up from a lakeful of rainwater, hoarded over the years! Boatin can across the crater lake and camp overnight can be another option.

2. Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

One of the provinces at the base of Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales was dreadfully buried when the sleeping volcano awakened two decades ago. However, the disaster dumped a good amount of ash on its rocky shores, breathing a new life to its otherwise ordinary beaches. Today, Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves have ascended as popular tourist destinations for its ashen sand and agoho trees (looks like pine trees) that foster a unique Baguio-meets-Boracay vibe.

3. Taal Volcano

From there, a small boat can be rented to take you to the volcano island. Prepare for a laborious trek because its slopes, while not as steep, can still consume all your energy especially with the heat of the summer. 

4. Tagaytay City

Tagaytay offers the best panoramas, with attractive, cool atmosphere to boot. Spend a morning in one of the city’s parks and gardens. 

5. Anilao, Batangas

One-day beginner courses are available to those who wish to learn how to dive. Batangas waters host a wide assortment of marine wildlife that will blow you away.

You may also choose to climb Mt. Gulugod Baboy, an easy climb for professionals or take a boat to Sombrero Island and enjoy the sun. 

6. Lipa to Taal, Batangas

From the petal shower site at Carmel Church to the revered well of Sta. Lucia, from the marvelous Lipa Cathedral to the huge Taal Basilica, the biggest in Asia — the road from the city of Lipa to the legacy town of Taal is highlighted by grand churches and miraculous sites. If you have more time, roll out a bit more of your map and go on wtih your journey to Calaca and Balayan, which also swank old, magnificent churches. 

7. Beaches of San Juan, Matabungkay (Lian), Nasugbu, and Calatagan

Matabungkay used to be the “it” destination decades ago but it might still be a good place for a breathing space. Nasugbu is likewise a great alternative and the sight of Mt. Batulao is a constant invitation to awaken the dormant mountaineer in you. The barely touched shores of Calatagan provide front row seats to view a stunning Batangas sunrise. The Punta de Santiago Lighthouse is another place of interest. 

Page 1  2