Who doesn’t crave seeing greenery all the time? Who doesn’t like wide open spaces and the stars at night? Who doesn’t like fresh air? Well we all do but not all of us have access to such scenery all year round, unless we lived in the country.

Living in the country, or at least being surrounded by greenery, as in a local park, works wonders for your health, that is, according to research. Research claims that being exposed to greenery and fresh air reduces the risk of dementia and strokes. According to the research, the findings are based on how trees reduce pollution and not on the psychological state of the people being exposed to trees, plants and fresh air.

In my view, being exposed to greenery and fresh air, even for a short period of time, is highly beneficial to someone’s state of mind. I think strokes are caused by many factors, both external and internal. ‘External’ is more to do with what you put in your body and the stresses that can be caused by everyday living and events in your immediate surroundings. Now, the way someone reacts to the stresses they encounter determines their mental well-being. If they are affected badly then, of course, their blood pressure is going to be high and that could lead to having a stroke.

People find all manner of ways to alleviate their stress but I found that one of the most effective methods was to do some gardening, take a walk in a park or country and to spend time among greenery in the countryside. There is something about hearing the wind rustling through the trees, about the sound of a running stream or waterfall that is so calming. There is something about hearing the sound of birds (not pigeons though) singing first thing in the morning. Even the sound of a crow crowing has a soothing effect, no matter how eerie its call is. Imagine living on a farm with the sound of the cock crowing first thing in the morning and the sound of sheep bleating in the fields. It all sounds very soothing and relaxing. It could quite possibly make you forget your troubles, even if it’s momentarily. There is, of course, also the fresh air aspect. You are exposed to less pollution and, as a result, you may have fewer headaches, fewer sinus problems and better skin.

The other aspect that not many city officials will admit to is that, in some ways, the water in the country is often better tasting and causes fewer allergic reactions. People have reported that their hair texture improved and their skin cleared up.

The countryside has so many features to explore. Yes, you might use your car to get somewhere but at some point you definitely feel the urge to get out of the car, take in the view and even take that walk. Walking is good exercise and lends to a reduced risk of strokes. I don’t pretend to know anything about either a stroke or dementia but since a stroke is very close to home, I can assure you that the city lifestyle is not good for your health. The noise can be horrendous and pollution from vehicles, restaurants and AC outlets can create a kind of permanent fog in the streets. Plus, it can be dirty and smelly. None of this is good for anyone’s mindset.

I know nothing about dementia, although, to some degree, researchers seem to link it to pollution. I can’t discount that because I know nothing about it. But from a layman’s perspective, keeping your mind active would probably go a long way to retaining a memory. Moreover, stress can play havoc with your mind. Even if you don’t suffer from dementia, you can become forgetful not because you are losing your mind but because you are stressed out so much by what is happening in your immediate circle that you are unable to think clearly. The stress can be so bad you might be forgetting things that happened a month ago. But I’m no expert. So don’t take my word for it. But do get out and about for your health.