Tag Archives: stress

Five sources to support detour

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1. http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/health-benefits-of-morning-walk/#gref

This article talked about many of the benefits that morning walks have on our health. My favorite point was that morning walks benefit our mental health. A better mental health helps increase our productivity in our lives. This helps support my topic sentience because I support morning walks. Morning walks seem silly however, this articles prove morning walks are not silly rather they are very beneficial.

Keywords: Productivty, morning walks, mental health

2. https://healthnbodytips.com/4-great-advantages-and-health-benefits-of-early-morning-walk.html/

This article also supported morning walks. However, this article focused primarily on the health benefits of morning walks. The first point I enjoyed and used for my essay is that morning walks help our heart. A healthy heart is important to live a long life so we should definitely try different methods to better our health. This will help support my topic sentence of including a relaxing morning walk in our lives.

keywords: heart, methods, relax

3. https://www.coachingpositiveperformance.com/make-important-changes-life/

This article had a positive attitude towards change. When we think of change we think its out of our control however, this article showed us we do have control well sometimes. For example, we can plan on how we are going to carry out this change. The way we carry out this plan will allow us to better cope with change. This is related to my project because i bring out the claim changing our route to school may be hard to do at first. However, this article showed that when it’s a change we can control we should definitely plan it so we are comfortable.

Keywords: control, mindset, plan

4. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/manage-stress.aspx

This article was very informative because it talked about the importance of coping with stress. In addition, the article included different ways to cope with stress. For example, the article mentions to step away from the stressor. As college students college stresses us and to some maybe even the view of college intimidates them. However, this article mentioned how important it is to strep away temporarily from it. We step away not because we are avoiding the problem but because stepping away can help us come up with a better solution. This will support my statement that my detour will help relax city-tech walkers.

Keywords: break, expertise, smile and laugh

5. http://campusmindworks.org/students/self_care/managing_stress.asp

This last article i used was from an actual univeristy that is aware the stress college can cause. The article mentioned pros and cons of too much stress on students which is relevant to my essay. This aritlcle is useful to my essay because this article gives real insight on the college stress on students.

Keywords: college students, time management, good sleep habits

A lifesaving detour (college student edition)

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Part of the life of a New Yorker involves commuting either it be to work, school, the gym etc. As a young adult most of my commuting is to City Tech. This is my first semester to college so I haven’t had the time to explore the area of City Tech so my route has been the same. However, this project required looking for a new route that would provide some new energy. Taking a new route is definitely out of my comfort zone because I don’t like to change routes unless I’m very familiar with the area I’m in so picking this new route brought me out my comfort zone. This type of behavior is very popular among humans because change brings some sort of instability. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t shy us away from change. Positive change can help college students reduce some of the high level of stress.

My normal route to City Tech consists of me taking the A train and getting off at Jay Street metro Tech. I then take the exist closest to City Tech and walk on Jay street to the entrance of the Namn building. However, my new route included taking the longest exist of the train station to City Tech. Rather than going straight down Jay street I took walk on Fulton street and then I took a left into a small alley that would take me back out to Jay street. This street which is named Lawerence street was quite smaller than Jay street and its quieter and dark. I liked this route because it was less crowded and rushed as Jay street. Although, I ended on Jay street again this detour provided some relaxation before heading out to Jay street. This alley had stores that opened later in the day like Papa Johns so this allowed there to be less traffic. I liked this route even though it was longer because it provided some relaxation.

Surprisingly, I did encounter better energy taking this route. With my regular route I would feel very rushed to get to class. After getting off a busy and crowded train and heading towards Jay street one does feel overwhelmed. However, the detour I took allowed me to breathe, relax, and enjoy the morning. In a place like New York enjoying the morning is hard because we are all very busy getting to where we need to go. I definitely recommend this walk for city-each walkers because on Fulton you find many shops. In addition, this alley is calm, less crowded, and this alley takes you to many cute little shops. For a college student this could definitely be a enjoyable detour during any time of the day.

Taking walks are very beneficial to many aspects of our lives. According, to healthnbodytips.com, “One prominent benefit of early morning walk is that it can help reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which contribute to heart disease.” When we take a detour we are adding time to get to the new location which counts as an early walk. This walk can benefit the health of our heart because morning walks help reduce stress. In addition, stylecraze.com states, ” Morning walks do more than just rejuvenating the body. They have the same positive effect on the mind as well. When you walk, the oxygen and blood supply to the brain are accelerated, and this, in turn, leads to an enhancement in mental alertness, brain function, and memory (23). Moreover, walking helps increase the brain volume and improves brain function in aged individual.” This reference helps us see that morning walks help improve our mental health. With a better mental health we are without a doubt going to have a more productive day.

As I had previously stated, change can sometimes bring a hazel because it brings us out of comfort zone and brings stress. However, Coaching Positive Performance claims, “The clearer you are about what you want, the easier it is for you to find what you are looking for.” Change can sometimes be in our control and when we have control its recommended we analyze it. With an analysis of the change we can fix possible things we may not like or even improve new changes. Change doesn’t always have to be negative as this article has shown it depends on the mindset we have going into changes. However, there are times where change is out of our control and we can face serious stress. The American Psychlogical association states, “But when you give yourself permission to step away from it, you let yourself have time to do something else, which can help you have a new perspective or practice techniques to feel less overwhelmed.” This article states the importance of removing ourselves from stressful situations temporarily. The detour we take offers us a short period of an “escape” from directly heading towards our daily activities.

In conclusion, when one is in a stress state one must remain calm and avoid additional stress. As New Yorkers and college students we can apply this by avoid taking a busy route to school after a hectic ride on public transportation. The MTA encounters many delays in the mornings which irritates commuters because it delays our activities. As college students we work very hard to achieve good academic grades which is very challenging as we juggle other responsibilities as well. The Univeristy of Michigan claims, “Many students find that they can reduce their level of academic stress by improving skills such as time management, stress management, and relaxation.” This claim emphases how important some relaxation during stress is vital. The detour in our busy lives will help us appreacite positive things like a beautiful morning. Focusing on natures beauty before a long day at school will help us relax. As we have learned a quiet place is recommendable to release stress. Reflecting on the morning is also very healthy for our minds which help improve our productivity.

The Beauty of Quiet Nature

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On a regular day, I usually take the A or C train to Jay Street and walk 10 minutes to The New York City College of Technology. However, my mind and body craved new things. Instead of a swarming train, surrounded by blue scaffoldings, people hustling to get to the Kings County Family Court, to class, and the smell of constant cigarettes. I wanted a change. I decided to take the 4 train and discover new things. I was looking for nature, quietness, a place that makes me happy and a place that makes me calm. I was looking for a detour through nature, which help uplift my mind and body that makes me feel good about myself. Therefore, I set out for new things.
I caught the 4 train on Eastern Parkway and got out at Borough Hall. As I exited the train the first thing I noticed, was the peak of the Manhattan Bridge in Dumbo. I could only remember my experience on the bridge as I smiled within. The sun shined down on the grey tiles, as the tiles shimmer reflected into my eyes. The beautiful trees with brown and yellow leaves creating a perfect fall day. The branches curved like an umbrella to shield the yellow shinning sun, the people below sat on the charcoal black bench enjoying the moment. My eyes then landed on the Henry Ward Beecher monument. He had on his fancy coat with his wavy hair as he stood erected. I began to feel better on my way to school. Looking around me, I noticed nature in its quiet beauty. I wanted to know if nature has such a big impact on anyone else besides me. I wanted to know why I felt more relaxed, calm, less stressed, able to function better, and create better ideas.
However, I stumbled upon an article entitled, “How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative,” by Jill Suttie. It explained how nature reduce stress which impacts our bodies. It states, “participants were assigned to walk through the forest or in an urban center while having their heart rate variability, heart rate, and blood pressure measured. Results showed that those that walked through the forest had lower heart rates, and higher heart rate variability…compared to those that walked in urban settings.” When this occurred, it caused stress levels to decrease. Although the mind and body were active it was still calm, because different parts of the brain were relaxed which did not require its muscle activity.
With less stress it causes better and positive moods. In the article, “How does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing,” by the University of Minnesota. The study shows that, “times in nature or scenes of nature are associated with positive mood, and psychological wellbeing…” In this case nature helps to balance and calm us which improve bad moods. This helps you to connect to people in a better way because you are taking time to relax, as the people around you do the same. Another, study proves that, “people who had trees and green space…has stronger feelings and unity with neighbors, being more concerned with helping support each other.” Nature also helps one to be more grounded and peaceful.
I also wondered why I felt less depressed. I felt refreshed, I felt good mentally, spiritually, physically. This boosted my energy levels, and I was more inspired to go to class compared to when I walked on Jay Street. Jill Suttie explained through experiments the reason why we felt less depressed in nature. She claims that, “waling in nature affects rumination- which has been associated with the onset of depression and anxiety.” The participants who were apart of the experiment were scanned before and after walks. It proved that, “those who walked through nature experienced less anxiety, rumination, and negative effects, as well as more positive emotions, comparison to urban walkers.” This proves that nature can reduce depression.
Therefore, we must preserve nature. Preserving nature is not only for human beings but for animals as well. Natural habitats are important because animals are a part of nature; hearing the brown, black and orange birds chirp before leaving for winter. Seeing the fluffy brown squirrels run back and forth playing and as some dig looking for food for winter. The colorful flowers attracting the yellow and black bees when it is warm outside. While the fresh and relaxing wind blow. This wonderful relaxing part of nature. According to the article, “Why Should We Take Care of Nature,” by Pawel Alva Nazaruk, states “nature is constantly changing…and humans are continuously adapting the planet to accommodate their needs through careless interaction with their surrounding environment.” This is true because as humans we litter which can affect our environment. We must stop water pollution, desertification, and deforestation. Or else we us humans will have to answer to The LORAX who speak for the trees. Replanting a plant that was chopped down is important.
However, in the articles I’ve presented proves why nature is important. It proves that nature reduces stress, depression, anxiety, sadness, bad moods. Therefore, environments all over the world should have Pedestrian Plazas to help soothe tough days. Nature can benefit our minds and bodies in so many great ways. So from now on I will be catching the 4 train on Eastern Parkway, getting out at Borough Hall, make a right onto Johnson Street, and a left on Jay Street to get to class on a daily basis.

 

Work Cited:

Suttie, Jill. “How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative.” Greater Good, 22016 Mar. 2016, greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative.

Larson, Jean. “How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing?” Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing, 12 December 2017, www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/environment/nature-and-us/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing.

 

Nazaruk, Pawel Alva. “Why Should We Take Care Of Nature?” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 6 Oct. 2016, www.huffingtonpost.com/pawel-alva-nazaruk/why-should-we-take-care-o_b_12170852.html.