Summer Holidays

There is a magnetic appeal to be camping in the trees by a lake.  Sort of the quintessential Canadian summer holiday.  Scientists are now pinpointing to why this is so appealing.  The April 2011 issue of Cottage Life summarizes some of the findings.  Unfortunately, there is no link to this article on their website.

It turns out that besides emitting vast amounts of oxygen which helps us to feel good by opening and scrubbing our lungs, evergreen trees also release semi-narcotic aerosols that relax the nervous system.  Other chemicals released can reduce the heart rate and some have antiviral properties.

A psychologist from the University of Michigan has shown that spending time in nature improves memory, focus and mood.  The stimuli in nature refresh the brain and boost cognitive function.  It seems to be a perfect antidote to the short attention spans, anxiousness and reduced cognition we experience living and working in concrete and steel.  Another researcher at the university prescribes getting into nature to restore brain function and treatment of depression.  He calls his procedure "attention restoration therapy".

British researchers have demonstrated that outdoor activities improves self-esteem in youth and elevates mood in middle age adults. Adding water, such as a lake, to the equation multiplied the feel good effects.  That may be have something to do with all the negative ions found around bodies of water.

If you want to have a summer vacation that really refreshes you, these researchers say spend some time by a lake or river in the forest.  Even if you don't have a tent or trailer, just spending some time in nature will be rejuvenating.  We've all felt it.