The Country Life: Simplicity Vs. Modernity

A quotation from the well-known writer William Penn: “The country life is to be preferred; for there we see the works of God; but in cities little else but the works of men.” For others, this best summarizes the benefits of rural life. However, there are other advantages.

1. Cleaner and fresher air

The further you get into the country, the better the air quality gets. Pollution in more densely developed areas is caused not only by a scarcity of greenery, but also by small, but toxic, pollutants emitted into the air by vehicles, buses, automobiles, factories, and other large urban environments.

Such contaminants travel to the lungs where they hinder breathing and raise the risk of severe illness. Avoiding this toxic air for the country ensures improved airflow and greater protection against respiratory diseases such as asthma and heart problems.

2. Less crime rate

People in rural regions are less prone to be targets of a wide variety of crimes, like assault and robbery, than people living in the city or suburbs. This returns to the fact that there are fewer people in the area and thus fewer chances for crimes. There’s also a higher percentage of police officers per capita—2.8 officers per 100,000 people in non-metropolitan counties compared to 2.6 officers per 100,000 people in metropolitan counties.

3. Better psychological health

In reality, the brain works differently in the countryside. Life in an urban area over-stimulates two primary and potentially dangerous brain regions: those that control emotion and anxiety. Experts claim it’s the reason why they see higher levels of mental health conditions in cities than in rural areas. In the countryside, the brain is less likely to encounter that sort of overstimulation.

The benefits? Lower chance of anxiety and mood disturbances. The analysis also suggests that urban life raises the risk of schizophrenia, possibly due to unexplained environmental factors influencing brain growth.

4. It’s cheaper

Cities are expensive to live in. It is well known that living in the suburbs is cheaper than that in the city, and the cost of living in rural areas is way cheaper. This applies to anything from food to health care to lodging; with the biggest difference having to do with property prices.

5. Exposure to nature

Being out in the open air is related to many of the advantages of living in the region. Soaking yourself in a natural setting is beneficial for strengthening your short-term memory to reducing your blood pressure. It could also make you much more creative.

Spending time in nature is an effective way to enhance your health, and when you live the country life, you don’t have to go too far to reap the benefits. Natural paradise can be found just outside your door, instead of a car or a bus ride away.

6. Easy access to organic food

Access to unprocessed, organic food is not as extensive. Urban food deserts are highly troublesome in low-income communities, where local shops and gas station snack bars are mostly mistaken with expensive organic grocery stores.

In the country, even those with less to spend can simply obtain high-quality food for healthier diets. There are plenty of pros to consuming organic food; like less exposure to toxic chemicals used to produce food at a mass market.

Reference: https://www.moving.com/tips/6-proven-benefits-of-country-living/