The Nature Effect

So it’s no secret, I love living in Pocatello. But I do realize that my opinion is not shared by all. I also realize that this blog is based largely on subjective evidence, and for you science-minded people, that just doesn’t cut it. So I developed a theory.

Are you ready for this?

Cue music.

DUN DUN DUN!

THE NATURE EFFECT.

Pocatello is great for a number of reasons, education, diversity, culture, safety, and general badassity. But did you know that living in this small town is also good for your physical, psychological and emotional health? Let me explain.

First off, our surroundings provide the opportunity for a number of outdoor activities. And what can outdoor activities do for us? Well, they can help us to attain new skills. They can help us create social and family bonds and they can help strengthen our physical and emotional health.

Let’s start by looking at how nature can help us to acquire new skills.

Our small town of Pocatello offers a range of activities from downhill skiing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, road biking, paddle boarding, swimming, hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. And these are just a few of the activities that you can take part in.

“But hold up,” you say. “I don’t know how to do any of these things.”

And I say,

“That’s awesome. LEARN.”

Take a class at ISU. The Physical Education program offers classes in every single one of the above mentioned activities. Yep, even hiking.

You could also check out the ISU Outdoor Adventure Center for courses, trips, and equipment rentals. So it isn’t like you have to go and spend $10,000 on gear. Go rent some skis, try em’ out for a couple weeks and if you hate it, take em’ back and rent some snowshoes.

The point is, every time you try something new you are expanding your skill set. And that’s important, and really good for you.

According to a study published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, “learning new activities can help an aging mind stay sharp.”

So participating in an outdoor activity forces you to acquire new skills which will in turn help you physically and emotionally.

(whisper) THE NATURE EFFECT….

Let’s move on to family bonds.

Some of these activities are generational. For instance in my family, we fly fish. My dad taught us to fly fish at a really young age and it has always been an important part of our family dynamic. He uses fly fishing, rod building and fly tying as metaphors to teach us life lessons on hard work, patience, and respect.

Every year, we take family fishing trips together and these moments help us to create lasting memories which in turn strengthens our family bond. Our family tradition is even extending to the next generation as last Christmas my ten-year-old niece asked for a pair of waders.

If you haven’t had one of these skills passed on to you, start your own tradition. Pick up a new skill and share it with those you love. And it doesn’t have to be your family. Find a friend and start learning a new skill together.

The Association for Psychological Science article also suggests that “social contact is an important aspect of mental acuteness.”

So to recap, enjoying nature as a family tradition or by learning a new skill with a friend or companion will also help you to grow emotionally and physically.

(whisper) THE NATURE EFFECT.

Although it’s pretty obvious, experiencing nature through a variety of activities can improve your overall health.

Let’s say, like me, you hate to exercise. Like my hell would be a treadmill and the rancid smell of gym sweat…for all eternity. But it isn’t that I hate the actual act of exercising, I just don’t like regimented physical activity in an enclosed space.

But if you live in Poky, you don’t need a gym membership. Seriously, how do gyms even survive here?

Depending on the season you can spend every day getting your heart rate up and building your huge muscles while experiencing Poky’s beautiful surroundings.

In the summer you can take a scenic 15 mile road bike trip to Inkom on the old highway. You could wakeboard, water ski or swim in the American Falls Reservoir, spend the day hiking to the beaver pond at Scout Mountain, or kayak the rapids on the Snake River.

In the winter you can spend the day on the slopes at Pebble Creek Ski Area, snowshoe into one of the many yurts offered by the OAC, or cross country ski around the Nordic Center at Scout Mountain.

Bottom line, you can get a killer workout without ever stepping foot inside a gym.

And I know you know this, but according to a newsletter by The Harvard School of Public Health, “regular exercise can improve your chance of living a longer and healthier life.”

So the Poky wilderness presents opportunities to get healthy, stay healthy and live forever.

(whisper) THE NATURE EFFECT.

So to summarize, experiencing your natural surroundings will foster emotional stability, physical well-being and overall health.

Nature presents a different perspective that can help us to see and appreciate the bigger picture. When I’m road biking fifteen miles or hiking to the top of Kinport, my focus shifts from all the stressful crap in my life and I simply experience the moment and realize that life is about much more than work, school, money or responsibilities. In these moments I become clear-minded, calm and can fully realize the value of living in this small town.

According to an article by Health Promotion International, “a summary of empirical, theoretical and anecdotal evidence drawn from a literature review indicates that nature plays a vital role in human health and well-being.”

So there you have it. Nature is good for you.

Aren’t we lucky to live in a town where the opportunity to experience nature is plentiful?

Gotta love Poky.

(whisper) THE NATURE EFFECT.

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