There are surely a lot of things that you can do to improve your mental and physical health. One of them is spending time outside. According to a review of studies conducted by Cornell University, as little as ten minutes spent in nature can affect physiological and psychological stress metrics.
Decreased Blood Pressure While Outside
10 to 30 minutes of sitting outside in a natural environment result in a significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, as well as a “significant increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity. Participants in the test reported an increase in feelings of calm and security, as well as a general sense of being revitalized and restored.
These mental enhancements add up. According to Miles Richardson, Ph.D., the psychological benefits of connecting with nature include feeling good, functioning well, and having a sense that life has meaning. It was discovered that a connection to nature is associated with higher levels of personal growth and eudaimonic well-being in adults. Eudaimonic well-being is the type of happiness or contentment attained through self-actualization and a sense of purpose in a person’s life.
Gardening Can Also Improve Mental Health
During your time outside, you can try gardening as well. There are also advantages of the unseen. The beneficial bacteria that aid in our health are more prevalent in the natural environment. Researchers at the Tampere University in Finland discovered that dipping participants’ hands in soil daily for two weeks increased their gut microbial diversity, an indicator of a healthier microbiome. As more research establishes a link between gut health and mental health, this is additional positive news.
You can try hiking on a path near you, or head for the water. Are you up for some kayaking? Warmer weather means spending more time by the water. Are you a fan of meditation? Try doing it outside. There are a lot of things you can do outdoors, and these are just a few examples.
Five Excellent Bathtub Trays to Elevate a Home Spa Experience
Everyone needs and deserves a bit of rest and relaxation after a long and stressful day. What better way to get a bit of alone time for one’s thoughts and self-care than by drawing a warm bubble bath and enjoying a few pages of a novel? While you’re enjoying a fragrant and soothing soak, you’ll need a place to rest your book and safely place your well-deserved glass of wine. Take a look at this list of five excellent bathtub tray options easily available on the market!
1. The Natural Tieman Bathtub Tray
This excellent bathtub caddy by Rebrilliant can be bought at Wayfair for just above thirty dollars. The natural bamboo looks amazing and is lacquered for greater water resistance and durability. It also has very convenient non-slip silicone grips on the underside and plenty of space to keep your necessary items organized.
2. The Steel Mercer Bathtub Caddy
If your bathroom is decorated in a sleek, modern style, you might find this stainless steel bath caddy a suitable addition. It’s moisture-resistant, removable, and has an adjustable rack to accommodate your bath-time items. It’s made and sold at Pottery Barn and is available for around $89!
3. The Swivel Bath Tray
If you want your bathtub tray not to take up too much space but still provide a place to rest your book, glass, or other items, then the Swivel bath tray might be what you need. It has a charming design and swivels so you can easily move it out of your way. The tray is made of bamboo and attaches to the tub via a suction cup. It sells for $50 at Uncommon Goods.
4. The Luxury Bath Caddy
This is a lovely wood bathtub tray with an ergonomic design. It’s an expandable organizer that can safely hold your book or tablet and even has a designated spot for your wine glass! Made by NaturalhandicraftJP, it’s offered on Etsy for $89. The tray doesn’t take up a lot of space and can be stored in bathroom cupboards when not being used.
5. The Extendable Bath Caddy
This simple caddy has a clean design and holes for easy draining in case of spills. The holder is retractable so it can easily fit over tubs of different sizes and kitchen sinks. It’s made by Kudosale and is available at Walmart for $30! It’s the perfect option if you want a caddy that can hold several items and be easily stored when not in use.