Happy, Calm Camera Walking
Recently I came across two studies that caught my attention. One was about how walking in nature reduces stress, and the other found that taking photos increases your enjoyment. I was hooked because that is what I experience when I go out Camera Walking.
We know that walking in nature is restorative, but this newest research conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and University of Hong Kong suggests that we should be walking underneath trees to reap the most benefits. The research team, led by Dr. Bin Jiang, was able to identify a connection between the number of trees and the amount of stress we experience. The participants in the study were asked to assess their stress level before given a difficult assignment. The researchers gave them an eight minute task that would increase their stress, and then they watched a video of various tree-lined streets such as the ones below.
After watching the video, the participants wrote about their experience and the results were amazing!
As the tree density increased, the amount of calm they felt increased as well. Interestingly, the positive results occurred even when there were just a few trees around, which is great for those of us who live in urban settings. Obviously walking in a nature area would be ideal, but this research suggests that just seeking out tree-lined streets in your neighborhood can make a real difference in your stress levels.
As a result of reading this study, I now make an effort to find areas to walk where there are trees, whether it is my neighborhood, or in a park close by. Fortunately in the Pacific Northwest we have green trees year round.
The second study I found fascinating was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. It confirmed that taking photos actually increases your enjoyment for life experiences. The researchers shared that "taking photos enhances enjoyment of positive experiences across a range of contexts and methodologies." So taking a photo of your food, your family events, traveling, and out walking makes you happier. According to Kristin Diehl, associate professor of marketing at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, the act of planning to take a photo, even though you might not take it, had the same positive effect!
This affirms what we instinctively knew when we started Camera Walking - that walking with your camera is good way to relax, be happy, as well as achieve better health. I find that planning my walks with my photos in mind gets me excited, and I feel more energized when I am out walking. It is an exploration, and that makes the walk more enjoyable. Whether it is a scenic view of Seattle....
Or reflections in a lake..
Or a quirky flower that has personality, they all bring me great happiness and memories.
So now that you know that walking under trees reduces your stress, as well as taking photos increases your enjoyment, go grab your camera and get out Camera Walking! Not only will you achieve better health, fitness, and creativity, you will now will be calmer and happier! Enjoy!
