3 Reasons You Should Fight Outside!
Find a Better Place to Argue
Are you and your spouse in a heated battle? Do you want to find a better place to argue? Step outside. Are you and your spouse faced with a difficult decision to make? Do you want the ideal environment for decision-making? If so, step outside! Let’s take a look at why the out of doors is so important to our communication.
In a Facebook Live video, we filmed in a beautiful garden. Prior to that, we had attended a really important, and somewhat stressful, business meeting.
The stress melted quickly as we strolled around the garden, soaking in God’s creation.
On our website, you will notice that most of our photography is taken in a lush forest. We strongly believe that nature is a vital component to healing and peace. In fact, we moved into a home in the woods in order to take full advantage of nature for us and the people we serve.
God’s creation is a reminder of His goodness.
Friends, let’s dive in to some truth, and even scientific research, that proves to us that a better place to argue in outside in nature.
3 reasons you should take it outside:
1. Nature reduces stress.
In a 2014 Japanese study, scientists found that subjects had a reduced level of cortisol when they were placed in a forest. They also had decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and the “fight or flight” response. Parasympathetic nervous activity, or the part of the nervous system that makes people relax, increased by 55 percent in study participants.
Arguments are stressful…so reduce the stress by going for a walk in the park. Your spouse and your body will thank you.
2. Nature restores balance.
In a study in Mind, 95% of interviewees said their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from stressed and anxious to more calm and balanced. Other studies by Ulrich, Kim, and Cervinka show that time in nature or scenes of nature are associated with a positive mood, and psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness, and vitality.
A positive mood can turn an argument around quickly.
Further, It can help you see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. It can even remind you that ‘with God, all things are possible.’ (Matthew 19:26)
3. Nature creates connection.
According to studies conducted by Kuo and Coley at the Human-Environment Research Lab, time spent in nature connects us to each other. Within the study, when people looked at nature scenes, the parts of the brain associated with empathy and love lit up. However, urban images caused fear and anxiety to be activated.
Nature has the ability to inspire us to connect with one another.
Disagreements, or even a difference of opinion, can drive a wedge between a couple. Placing ourselves in a natural environment will set us up for success in connectivity. When my husband and I were in a garden recently, I noticed that we held hands and were affectionate with each other much more than we had been all week.
Doesn’t it make sense that we, who were created in a perfect natural garden, would grow closer to each other and to God surrounded by similar natural environments?
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12
So, where can you go the next time you and your spouse need to have a “discussion?” Find a better place to argue by heading out for a walk or sit on a bench in the park.
How will you let God’s creation reduce stress, restore balance, and create connection?
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Oh I love this! Yes, outside is better! Though before the relaxation kicks in…lol.