Entrepreneurs who no longer need to work in a busy city are opting to work in rural areas. The reasons for this are varied, but they mainly point to the area of health and well-being.
The noise and turmoil of the city is known to affect brain retention due to, too many brain stimuli, and a peaceful, quiet environment is known to be conducive to cognitive brain function. Commuting into the city is stressful and time consuming but, commuting to a nearby office in a rural setting can have many advantages. There may be the possibility to walk, cycle, or run. The scenery is often more pleasing and the air is cleaner and fresher. The sound of birds, a river and the wind in the grasses and trees, the smell of flowers, can all heighten the senses and quieten the mind. Studies by Ulrich, Kim and Cervinka show that times in nature or scenes of nature are associated with a positive mood and psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness and vitality. A healthy mind and body will increase levels of productivity.
According to an article written in mentalhealth.org.uk there is some very interesting research into the relationship between the natural environment and the health of the mind and body. It is not yet fully understood, but it is to do with the senses reacting to the stimuli in nature, such as the smells of trees, the shapes about us and the pleasing sounds of nature and the fascination that nature can provide us with.
Taking time for stillness and allowing our senses to absorb the sounds, sights, smells, to touch and sometimes taste the nature about us can help take us into a different mindset/headspace, which is calm and enjoyable. According to Lee I, Choi H, Bang KS, Kim S, Song MK, Lee B. ‘forest therapy’ or ‘forest bathing’ (famously known as Shinrin Yoku in Japan) may lead to improved mental health. Apart from the benefits of walking in the forest for air and exercise, it is thought by many that this may be one of the healthiest things a person can do.
Losing yourself in the forest by absorbing all that is about you, such as smelling the musty dampness of the soil, listening to birdsong, feeling the bark or moss on a tree, watching the wind blow the leaves, feeling the warmth of the sun as it streams through the branches, watching an insect scurry through the forest floor, and tasting the freshness of the air.
Nature soothes and heals and being within or viewing nature, can reduce feelings of stress, anger, fear, depression, whilst increasing feelings of self-compassion and empathy. Blood pressure, heart rate muscle tension, stress hormones can all be reduced by spending time in the countryside. 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.
The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) have highlighted the benefits of being in blue spaces to enhance health and well being, and this includes, beaches, rivers canals, lakes etc.
It is well documented that being in the vicinity of blue spaces helps people relax and can restore our mood. Research regarding ‘blue spaces’ has been more recent and scientists are now realising the impact these have on our mental well-being.
Our overactive minds can be soothed whilst in nature and this in turn refreshes our brains ready for the next task. Some researchers refer to the Attention restoration theory (ART) whereby our minds can empty, from cognitive thinking and relax similar to a form of meditation, when in the countryside and/or blue spaces. It is fairly effortless to watch the clouds floating across the sky, or to watch a robin who flits about from fence to tree, to listen to the rustling of leaves and watching the sway of grasses in the wind. No wonder then, that a 15 minute walk in nature at lunchtime can refresh us for the afternoon tasks.
The power of scent cannot be underestimated. The olfactory system is linked in such a way to areas (known as the limbic system) in the brain that enable scents to have a direct impact on both physical and psychological reactions in the body. Scientists regard the limbic system in the brain to be extremely important in controlling mood, memory, behaviour and emotion. There is thought that smells derived from nature, may be more beneficial to psychological well being than the other 4 senses . Scientists have realised the powerful connection between the olfactory system and cognitive function, whereby particular scents have a direct affect on both the physical and psychological reactions in the body.
Cromford Creative Business Hub belongs to Cromford Mills and is part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
The Mill Yard itself has a waterway running through. There is a river and canal and the area is surrounded by woods, trees, lush vegetation, as well as meadows, therefore creating a diverse habitat for various species of wildlife.
Bird life is abundant and a favourite visitor to Cromford Creative itself, is the kingfisher. How lovely to come to work and see something that you didn’t expect to see. The photo below was taken just opposite the main doorway into Cromford Creative. Our resident Robin can often be heard before being seen and has it’s own little territory around the Mill Yard. With the area boasting Dippers, the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreepers, Jays, Bullfinches, Chiffchaff, Song Thrushes, Tits and Wagtails, a bird watchers paradise before even mentioning the waterfowl such as ducks, including at times the mandarin duck. There are also Little Grebes, Moorhens, and Coots.
Cromford Canal – just a two minute walk from Cromford Creative is home to the Water Shrew and also to the protected Water Vole. The linear habit of the canal abuts grassy areas, woodland and combined is a rich habitat for vertebrates, including Bats and Snakes.
There is an abundance of wild flowers, Early Purple Orchid, Bee Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid, Red Campion, Harts Tongue, Greater Celandine, Crosswort, Speedwell, Meadow Saxifrage, to name but a few. To forget the days intensities and to study the beauty of a particular flower, what better therapy for that moment in time.
With insects galore, including the Southern Hawker and Common Darter Dragonflies, the Common Blue Butterfly and Orange Tip Butterfly, all enhance the diversity of the area.
There are footpaths and trails along which people can walk, run or cycle and there are barge rides on the canal throughout the summer. With meadows within which to sit and relax and picnic benches by the river, to ponder and listen to the babbling of the river whilst taking a spot of lunch – what better place to while away some time and take a break from that ever demanding work schedule.
Little wonder then that business people are reconnecting to nature and opting for a life in the countryside not only for their way of life at home but for their worklife too.