A Step Into Nature = A Step in the Right Direction Both Physically and Mentally
Nature can be enjoyed on both a physical and mental level. So, if the physical aspect of getting out into nature does not entice you, then the psychological benefits just might! The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be overwhelming for all of us – so why not let nature ease some of that stress naturally?
Flanders Bay Hike with Richard Amper, the Society’s Executive Director, along with Kathleen Nasta and New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright
The American Psychological Association (APA) Says So
Don’t just take it from us, take it from the experts. According to the APA, “Green is good for you.” Nature’s positive impacts on mental health are overwhelmingly good. The following are just a few positive outcomes that can come from simply being in nature and the great part about it is that you don’t even have to move if you choose not to!
- Reduces feelings of anger and fear
- Alleviates stress, anxiety and depression
- Increases creativity and attention capacity
- Strengthens the ability to connect with others
In addition to the mental health impacts, being in nature has a positive impact on the body’s overall physical well being. The following are just a few ways in which nature has a positive physical impact:
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- Reduces muscle tension and stress hormones
- Keeps the body feeling energized
- Speeds up physical recovery
Where one might go in nature to seek positive results
So far, you are already taking a step in the right direction, because you’ve come to the perfect place! The Long Island Pine Barrens has over 100,000 acres of protected natural space where you can go to be one with nature.
There are several places that you can go to within the Pine Barrens that are accessible to the public, which are as follows:
- Brookhaven State Park, William Floyd Parkway, Wading River
- Cathedral Pines County Park, Yaphank-Middle Island Road, Middle Island
- David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve, Flanders and Northampton
- Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve, County Road 31, Westhampton Beach
- Long Island Game Farm, Chapman Boulevard, Manorville
- Manorville Hills County Park, County Road 111, Manorville
- Paumanok Path
- Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Old Country Road, Quogue
- Robert Cushman Murphy County Park, River Road, Calverton and Manorville
- Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest, Rocky Point and Ridge
- Sears-Bellows County Park, Bellows Pond Road, Hampton Bays
- Southaven County Park, Victory Boulevard, Shirley
- Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, Shirley and Brookhaven
More information on the above can be found by clicking on the links below:
Pine Barrens Preserve Locations
By: Claire J Moran, Long Island Pine Barrens Society