"Twenty minutes a day in contact with nature is enough to reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood and promote well-being," said doctor Hellen Marques Assis, who holds a Master's degree in Environmental Psychology, during a chat with visitors to Eco Park Foz this weekend as part of the Mother's Day program.
The opposite also happens when adults and especially children are exposed to screens for too many hours. According to the doctor, the excess deregulates neurotransmitters/hormones such as cortisol (stress), dopamine (pleasure) and melatonin (sleep), for example.
"Often a child is irritable and tearful thanks to neural dysregulation," he said. He added: "We know that today, in the rush of everyday life, giving a child a cell phone can help for a few minutes, but too much can cause future damage."
However, an environment such as Eco Park Foz is capable of providing self-healing, well-being and quality of life.
Hellen pointed out that scientific studies suggest including exposure to natural environments in the human routine. "We can start contemplating the sunrise or sunset, as well as a walk in the fresh air. Or even have plants at home," she said.
The doctor's final message was: "Disconnect and connect with the most special thing you have. Your family".
Connection activities
After the talk, the participants were able to start practicing the doctor's teachings. All the mothers who visited Eco Park Foz at the weekend were given little plants as gifts.
They also enjoyed the areas set aside for picnics, interacted with the animals in the Farm, the Bird Immersion Aviary and watched the Horse and Bird of Prey presentations.
To top it all off, they visited the Primate Forest while the children enjoyed the playgrounds and the pedal boat.
Eco Park Foz is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Iguaçu residents pay R$25. Residents of neighboring municipalities get a special discount. It is located next to Dreams Park Show, on the Cataratas Highway.
Dreams Park Show
At the Dreams Park Show, families enjoyed the five attractions: Dreams Motor Show, Wax Museum, Dinosaur Valley, Ice Bar and Wonders of the World, as well as an unprecedented sensory experience full of affection and care.
