WHEN COFFEE IS df HOW TO TELL IF YOU — OR SOMEONE
GETTING OUTSIDE CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER Many of us neglect our mental health because we’ve desensitized ourselves to stress, instead teaching ourselves to “white knuckle” through the day. However, if you knew a better way to manage your stress, you could loosen the reigns more, right? Well, when was the last time you spent some time outside? Whether it’s going on a hike, tending to your garden, or riding a bike, research reveals the positive effects on your mental health of spending time outdoors. IMPROVED OVERALL MOOD Everyone occasionally falls into a “funk.” And while it’s normal to experience that mood at times, it shouldn’t be a constant feeling. A 2010 study revealed that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and overall mood. Experiencing nature often makes people feel grounded and more connected to the Earth, leading to feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose. A separate study revealed that participants who went on nature walks had increased positive emotions after the walk. POSITIVE BRAIN STIMULATION When you spend time outdoors, taking in the sunlight
Fatigue can creep up on anyone. A new parent struggling with sleepless nights, a truck driver clocking in long hours, or a driver on a monotonous road trip can all experience drowsiness behind the wheel. Sleep deprivation doesn’t just result in grogginess — it can lead to serious crashes and fatal consequences. Sleep Awareness Week in March is an important time to highlight the dangers of sleep deprivation. In 2022 alone, 693 deaths were linked to drowsy driving- related wrecks , according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. WHEN AND WHERE DO DROWSY DRIVING ACCIDENTS HAPPEN? Drowsy-driving crashes are most likely between midnight and 6 a.m. or late afternoon when the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle drops. These crashes often involve a single driver veering off the road at high speeds with no signs of braking, frequently on rural roads and highways. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DROWSY DRIVING? Identifying the warning signs of drowsy driving could help prevent a serious accident. Common indicators include: • Failing to drive in a straight line: Drivers may briefly nod off, causing their vehicle to drift. • Inconsistent speeds: Drowsy drivers may slow down unpredictably and speed up suddenly. • Last-second exits or lane changes: Delayed reactions may lead to sudden, unsafe movements. • Near-miss accidents: Frequent close calls indicate an inability to stay focused on the road.
and fresh air, your body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin in return. Many antidepressant medications work by inhibiting reabsorption of this key neurotransmitter. Additionally, sunlight activates melatonin release, which helps regulate our internal clock. The more sunlight we get each day, the more our bodies know when it’s time to go to bed. ENHANCED FOCUS AND ATTENTION Whether at home or in the office, our brains can go a mile a minute, focusing on everything except the task at hand. While you’re supposed to be working on a PowerPoint presentation, your brain thinks about the new tire you need and the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A 2020 study found that spending time in nature can calm the mind, allowing for enhanced focus. Further studies on outdoor play settings stated that children with ADHD were calmer after playing in green spaces than in other settings.
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