The experience seems to make us more sociable, too, which would’ve helped create strong friendship and family bonds. A study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology revealed watching fire can reduce our blood pressure – and the longer we watch, the more relaxed we become. Now researchers say this relaxation response is a throw-back to our ancient ancestors. Many of us may already use a candle for meditation – focusing on the flame can help improve concentration – while watching a fire burn is the perfect way to unwind. “It helps reset the ‘rest and digest’ system, which sends signals of calm and safety cascading through your body,” says Eve.ĭo this exercise without judgment, and with as much compassion as possible when you’re anxious, you don’t need another ‘thing’ to worry about. This reduces levels of stress hormones in the body that, in turn, eases feelings of anxiety and panic.įancy a simple breathing exercise? Eve says: “Take a breath in for a count of two, pause for two, then exhale for two – the pause helps keep your attention on the breath.” When this feels comfortable, lengthen the exhalation. “Breathing properly – rather than taking shallow breaths – sends signals to the brain, via the vagus nerve, that you’re safe,” she says. Eve Menezes Cunningham, a psychologist and life coach ( ), says breathwork can help us feel more relaxed and secure. While a gusty walk along the seafront is great, it’s not something we can all do (and depends on the infamous British weather), so how else can you harness this element?Īir can also mean the breath, and tuning-in to the power of our breath has a number of mind-body benefits. The idea is to replace ‘bad air’ with ‘good air’, leaving you refreshed and less stressed – we’d probably say to ‘blow away the cobwebs’. The Dutch have an expression, uitwaaien, which doesn’t have a direct translation but means spending time in wild, windy weather, usually on a walk or bike ride. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a coffee break in the park. ![]() Even better, “just sitting on a bench will do,” adds Mathew. “You can spread it over the course of a week or get it all in a single dose, it doesn’t really matter,” says lead author Mathew White. One study, by the University of Exeter, found that spending just two hours a week in nature is linked to feeling healthier and happier. She often prescribes forest bathing, walking, Tai Chi, and gardening as activities to increase exercise levels, and “reap the benefits of being closer to nature”, too.īut you don’t have to spend all your free time outdoors to feel the benefits. She says: “There are so many benefits to being outside, from the sunlight we need to produce vitamin D, to fractals geometric patterns only found in nature that have been shown to relieve stress, support sleep, aid digestion, and boost wellbeing.” ![]() It’s known to reduce stress, raise self-esteem, lower blood pressure, tackle depression, prevent negative thoughts, boost our immune system, and even push us to exercise harder than we would do in a gym.ĭr Lafina Diamandis, a GP specialising in lifestyle medicine ( ), believes our environment has a huge impact on our behaviour and happiness levels. And there’s plenty of evidence to show this element is vital for our health. When we talk about earth, we don’t just mean soil – although any toddler will tell you making mud pies is a mood-booster! Earth refers to spending time in nature, enjoying green spaces, or exercising outdoors. ![]() Find out how earth, air, fire, and water can give your health and happiness a boost. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Or what you can do to recreate those feelings?Ī growing body of research is slowly revealing the wellbeing secrets of the four elements – now you can harness their power. Lying on a beach, strolling through woods, enjoying a blustery walk, or snuggling up in front of a roaring fire – these activities can instantly make us feel better. Take inspiration from earth, wind, fire, and water to discover the science-backed ways they can improve your mood, and boost your wellbeing
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