Just because the risk for anxiety and mood disorders is higher for city-dwellers does not mean you have to be resigned to it. There are some powerful things you can do to prevent this happening to you: make some pretty basic food changes, consider supplementation for your specific needs and biochemistry, and make some simple lifestyle changes (read more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/antianxiety-food-solution-what-you-eat-makes-difference/).
A new international study, published in Nature, is the first to show that living in a city affects the two distinct brain regions that regulate emotion and stress.
This from Science Daily, June 22, 2011
“Previous findings have shown that the risk for anxiety disorders is 21 percent higher for people from the city, who also have a 39 percent increase for mood disorders,” says co-author Jens Pruessner, a Douglas researcher. “In addition, the incidence for schizophrenia is almost doubled for individuals who are born and brought up in cities.” You can read the whole report here.
So here is one lifestyle change that is just perfect for city-dwellers and perfect as we move into beautiful summer weather – get out into the great outdoors and into nature!
“An interesting study from the Netherlands found a strong relationship between being outdoors in nature and lower rates of anxiety and depression especially in children and in poorer communities.” (The Antianxiety Food Solution, www.antianxietyfoodsolution.com)
So I recommend that you go bike-riding with your family along some urban trails (this picture was taken on the bike path near where I live), go down to the lake and have a picnic, go for a nice walk with a friend, go camping, go hiking in the mountains, go surfing or go windsurfing (this is my all-time summer favorite!).
Exercising has tons of other benefits too, such as weight-loss and cancer-prevention (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/have-fun-exercising-and-prevent-cancer/) and is just a lot of fun! Happy summer exercising to you, whether you’re in the city or countryside!
I sure agree with you, Trudy. The minute I feel overwhelmed or stressed I go outdoors unless it’s too cold. Outdoors is soothing for everyone!
Good for you Sue!
Sunshine and fresh air are often the best medicine. Oh and I should add walking barefoot in sand too!
Heidi
I agree, walking barefoot in sand too – with that smell of the ocean air…just lovely!
Trudy
I love this! And I wholeheartedly agree that enjoying nature is a real pick-me-up. 🙂 ~ Carmen
Trudy – AMEN! Our family does the same thing! Whenever we need a break, want to get away, relax, or wind down, we either go for a hike, a bike ride, a walk, or go exploring … and when we can’t necessarily get away, we relax in the backyard with the waterfalls running and the lush greenery around us – there is something about nature that is just calming and peaceful for the spirit!
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative, LLC
Jennifer – sounds super. I really like the idea of the waterfalls in the backyard…and lush greenery
Trudy
Trudy,
Thank you for this natural remedy for those of us city-dwellers that need a breathe of fresh air…literally. Your tips are always so helpful.
Kiyla Fenell
Trudy,
Heading for the great outdoors is great therapy for the body, soul and mind. Thanks!
Dr. Robert Fenell
I totally agree, trudy – nothing like nature to get you centered!
So GLAD I live in the country. 🙂 Thanks for the tips.
I agree. I live in a big city but there are great parks! There’s never a reason to not enjoy the outdoors.
Julie
Absolutely! even in big cities it’s possible and the parks around your place are just amazing!
Trudy
Hello!
I know this original post is a few years old, but thought it was great. I’ve lived in a big city in the Northeast most of my life. For a short time I lived in the country. What a difference. I felt so much healthier in the country.
Unfortunately, at this point in time, I’m “stuck” here in the city. Even though we have some truly lovely parks, I often times cannot be in them especially with the surrounding pollution that filters in from the traffic, factories, etc. It’s the worst in the summer months or on days when the cloud cover is heavy.
The weekends is often when we make our “get away” to places further north of us for biking or hikes. Ah, sooo much different.
Please God, we’ll be out of this area in a few years.
Wonderful post!!!
Ah yes to the countryside and nature – I hope you get there soon!
Amen!!! Me too.
Thanks.
All the best!!!