Did you know that photography is good for your health? Not only that, but it also has amazing mental health benefits too, such as reducing stress – even more so if it’s combined with a walk or a hike in nature.
Taking pictures can be a therapeutic and meditative activity, allowing us to focus on the present moment and forget about our worries and the stresses of our daily lives. This mindful activity can help to reduce anxiety and depression and improve our overall well-being.
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment and accepting it without judgment. It involves being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment.
Mindfulness can be cultivated through various practices, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises, but photography is another form of mindfulness, and has been shown to have numerous health benefits.
As someone who has experienced mental health challenges in my life, I can confidently say that photography has been a huge benefit to me in helping to reduce my stress levels, bringing me to a place of peace and contentment.
Photography can make you a happier person here
Some people find it helpful to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine, such as by taking a few minutes each day to focus on their breath or by paying attention to their senses while eating a meal or sitting in nature.
Another way of incorporating it into our daily lives is by practicing some photography each day as a routine. This may be strange at first, but by leaving our cameras in places they’re easy to find we can make it a part of our daily lives.
Mental health benefits of walking by the sea here
Overall, mindfulness is a valuable skill that can help us to live in the present moment and find greater peace and contentment in our lives.
Photography can also improve our memories and cognitive functions. As photographers, we have to consider the technical aspects to the craft such as composition, lighting, exposure etc, which can help us to engage our brains and keep them active.
This mental stimulation can help to improve memory and cognitive function, particularly in older adults.
In addition to its mental health benefits, photography can also have physical health benefits. Taking pictures requires the use of fine motor skills, such as pressing the shutter button and adjusting the camera settings. These small movements can help to improve our hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Read more about healthy living here
Photography can also encourage physical activity, as many of us enjoy taking pictures in the landscape while walking, hiking, or traveling to new locations at the coast or in forests.
This can help to improve our cardiovascular health and increase energy levels. Walking in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. One such benefit is the ability to lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. It occurs when the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
Walking in nature, particularly in forests or other green spaces, has been found to be effective in lowering blood pressure. This is because it allows individuals to relax and de-stress, which can have a positive effect on our blood pressure.
One study conducted in Japan found that participants who took a walk in a forest had lower blood pressure than those who took a walk in an urban setting. The study suggested that the calming effect of being in nature may help to reduce blood pressure.
A benefit of being near forests is that they can improve the air quality around us. Trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and they release oxygen back into the air. This can help to reduce the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems related to air pollution.
In addition to improving air quality, forests can also provide a peaceful and calming environment, which can help to reduce stress and improve mental health. Being in nature has been shown to have a soothing effect on the mind, which can help to reduce anxiety and improve our overall well-being.
Similarly, taking our cameras and walking on the coast can also have huge health benefits. Once again we discover that the natural world, this time the sea, improves the air quality.
The sea produces negative ions, which are believed to have a positive effect on air quality. Negative ions can help to neutralize pollutants in the air, such as allergens, mold, and bacteria, which can have a positive effect on respiratory health.
Negative ions are atoms or molecules that have gained an extra electron, giving them a negative charge. They are found in natural environments, such as near waterfalls, oceans, and forests, and are believed to have a number of potential health benefits.
Some research suggests that negative ions may also have a positive effect on mood and well-being. In one study, people exposed to negative ions reported feeling more energetic and alert. Other studies have found that negative ions may be helpful in reducing depression and anxiety.
Negative ions may also have a number of other potential health benefits, including improving sleep, reducing headaches, and boosting the immune system.
In addition to improving air quality, being near the sea can also have a calming and soothing effect on the mind. The sound of the waves and the natural beauty of the ocean can help to reduce stress and improve our mental health.
So, overall we can clearly see that the mindful practice of photography can have a hugely positive effect on our health, and mental health.
It’s important to feel healthy on the inside as well as the outside, and the mindful process of capturing images whilst walking in the natural world will help us to feel both healthy and happy.
Let’s make the decision to pick up our cameras more regularly and get out into nature to enjoy capturing images in beautiful places where we’ll receive the benefits to our health and our minds for more peaceful and contented life.
