scrb11

"Natural scenery is so therapeutic."

I remember an NPR segment which reported about brain measurements of people going from urban to more natural settings, with a lot of trees and such.

They theorized that such scenes had salutary benefits.

I searched but I'm not sure if I can find the study which was referenced on NPR. Here's an article citing different studies about potential psychological problems caused by living in the cities, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/a...mental-health/

There was a study in Germany which showed city dwellers had "stronger activation in the amygdala and cingulate cortex," which are parts of the brain linked to regulating emotions.

But the NPR report suggested the benefits of rural open scenery vs. the problems associated with living in cities.

Here's another report citing the benefits of living around trees, even within cities:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.5235c10b4530

OK, I think this is the same study reference in NPR, a Stanford university study which had study subjects walk on a busy road or along more open, natural spaces.

They scanned the brains before and after and looked for activity in a certain part of the brain associated with negative thoughts which would cause depression. The people who took the nature walks (as opposed to walking along the busy road) were less given to this negative "rumination."

The caveat is that research using brain scans are controversial and not considered definitive, especially for complicated issues like depression.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.69250a114428

jane1144

Sp glad your trip was a success!

annhig

Hard to believe your much anticipated trip has ended and you are back home.>>

you're right, ileen, it's incredible that it's over, but then I always feel like that about holidays - so eagerly awaited and anticipated, so quickly a memory. But great while we were there, [and in recollection] so all worth it.

And thanks to you all for the good wishes welcoming us home.

<<Natural scenery is so therapeutic>>

ileen - you were on a roll [role?] in this post! We live in the country and spend a lot of time enjoying it [latterly perhaps not enough] so this trip has been a reminder that we must do more of it, especially whilst the good weather [insofar as Cornwall has good weather] lasts.

scrb - it is not difficult to believe that being out in nature makes people feel happier, but even when you are lucky enough to live in the country, as we do, changing the sort of countryside you are enjoying can be beneficial I think. And DH has always loved mountains so it was an easy choice. Thanks for the links - I will come back and read them when i have less washing to do!

barbrn

Ann, this is wonderful. I will be so happy to read your trip report. That mountain air had to have helped his lungs!! And both your hearts.

progol

SO glad to hear that you had a wonderful vacation and really adapted to whatever the obstacles were.

Sounds like a grand time and I'll bet that having such a great respite from the mindset of sickness will continue to have benefits for your husband and you.

Nonconformist

So glad you had a good time.

Kay2

Delighted to hear you got to make the trip and enjoyed what is one of the most beautiful walks in the world.

I am typing before a double window that looked into the trees in our backyard. I am considering moving my office into a larger room and making this the guest room, but my husband says I will be unhappy with more space, but less window onto nature.

My daily walks in the woods as well as hikes on vacations are what kept me sane when working in difficult jobs with crazy people.

raincitygirl

So glad you had a good time Ann!

sundriedtopepo

Annhig I am not in the Lounge anymore, so was unaware that your dear hub and you have been enduring health problems. So sorry to hear that! But what a lovely description you have given of the time you spent together in Switzerland! Just so precious.

My best wishes for continued good times together. And glad you were able to do this trip. This earth truly is a wondrous place.

annhig

Thank you all; your kind words as ever mean a lot.

Kay - my work space [aka the dining room table] has a view onto our front garden which in spring and summer means that I can enjoy the sight of the roses around our front gate and in autumn and winter there are often birds and the occasional mouse to enjoy. I think that your DH may be right about your missing the view of the trees.

We are enjoying some nice warm sunny weather at the moment so I am encouraging DH to get outside as much as possible though his lack of mobility is getting in the way of his doing much more than that, sadly. But we have some wonderful memories to share and remember.