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Mental Well-being. Don't underestimate mother nature.
By Steven Pike
A few years ago, I found myself in the unfortunate position of suffering from depression.
I knew something wasn't right, but it was still a shock to have it formally diagnosed.
To deal with the news, I decided I needed time away from everyone and everything. I returned to those places I enjoyed visiting in my youth. I headed back to the country.
My first experience was in a remote and rugged National Park in my home State, It was winter and I was equipped with only basic supplies. I set up camp in the most isolated spot I could find. It was cold, wet at times, and windy, but since that day I have made a point to "get away from it all" as often as possible.
The reason is simple.
The natural world is, as we all know, an amazing place. We are all aware of it, but how many of us have really taken any notice of it. It's incredible. The scenery, the animals just the entire atmosphere.
Now, when I return from one of these trips, I am more relaxed, feel happier and am ready to accept the necessary routine of everyday life. In addition, I have learnt a great deal and now do not hesitate to spend several days in the most remote regions.
Photographing certain scenes, animal and birds from these trips has provided me with another way to combat the negative feelings I still have (albeit much less frequently). Perusing these images after the trip has a tremendous positive effect and alleviates the down times.
It may not be for everyone, but a visit or two away from the hustle and bustle can certainly open your eyes. It is not necessary to travel huge distances either. In fact, sometimes a walk around the local park or botanical gardens can provide you with the energy you need to keep going.
For those of you who enjoy camping, fishing, surfing, photography and bush walking, you can't go wrong.
When camping, you can sleep until whenever you like in the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of complete wilderness. You can sit around the campfire (if it's not fire danger season of course) and toast marshmallows. Take the children too. I have a hard time going anywhere without my six year old son. He is now an old hand at camping and its activities. Apart from all this, you will see some amazing sunrises and sunsets and notice things you have never really looked at before.
Some of the beaches and isolated coastline you will find lend themselves exceptionally well to fishing and surfing. There is no fishing shoulder to shoulder and no drop ins if your'e surfing. You may even find virgin areas that have never been fished or surfed.
If you enjoy taking photographs, then nature is an incredible resource. As well as the more isolated spots, local areas can also provide material for recording images. Within walking distance of my home, there are walking tracks and parks which see only light foot traffic. There are numerous birds and animals living in these areas. The scenery is also surprising, especially if visited early mornings and evenings.
As previously stated, it may not be the answer everyone is looking for, but Mother Nature has a lot to offer and I think its benefits are underestimated.
You never know, it could help.
About the Author
Steven Pike spends all of his spare time visiting country areas of his home State, South Australia, taking photographs. His interest in nature extends into the areas of camping and fishing, but his focus is on the magnificence of nature. He hopes to portray some of this beauty in his photographs and encourage people to view their surrounds in a different light.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/31733.html
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