Academic Research

Academic Research Supporting The X7 Tools

The X7 Tools

The revolutionary seven X7 Tools integrate to create a whole systems approach that support us to reconnect to self, others and the natural environment resulting in an enhanced quality of life.

The below articles provide information and support specifically for each of the X7 Tools.

GreenX7 is and continues to be, built on astounding scientific research and practical implementation through the incredible and tireless work of individuals and organisations in the many fields that make up the X7 Tools.

Connecting to the X7 Tools each day will help;

Reduce anxiety and stress levels
Increase productivity and creativity
Improve self-esteem and mood
Reduce the risk of depression and obesity
Strengthen relationship to self and others

Moving our bodies and living an active lifestyle is shown to:

Reduce Stress
Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety
Improve concentration and learning
Improve bone and cognitive function
Increase Energy and vitality
Enhance self esteem
Can help prevent unhealthy weight gain and assist with weight loss
Improve quality of life

Excerpt: "Regular physical activity contributes to good health across all life stages, whereas inactivity is one of the most significant contributors to the global burden of disease."
Source: 1. Lee, I et al (2012), Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy, The Lancet, Volume 380, Issue 9838 , pp 219 – 229
Excerpt: “Australian adults sit for nearly nine hours per day with a considerable proportion of sitting time accumulated in sustained bouts of 30 minutes or more.”
Source: 3. Vic Health (2016) Physical Activity and Sedentary behaviour. View
Excerpt: “Outdoor walking is associated with a more positive mood, increased self-esteem, vitality, energy and pleasure; alongside reductions in frustration, worry, confusion, depression and tiredness.”
Source: 2. Thompson-Coon, J et al (2011), Does Participating in Physical Activity in Outdoor Natural Environments Have a Greater Effect on Physical and Mental Wellbeing than Physical Activity Indoors? A Systematic Review, Environmental science & technology, 45, 1761-72, 10.1021/es102947t.

Surrounding ourselves with nature, and spending time in the natural environment is shown to:

Improve emotional wellbeing
Relive stress
Reduce anxiety and depression
Reduce mental fatigue
Enhance life skills
Increase positive mood
Increase concentration
Increased Vitamin D and immunity

Excerpt: “contact with nature and physical activity in nature has a profound positive influence on human wellness.”
1. Brymer, E, Cuddihy, T and Sharma-Brymer, V (2010) The role of nature-based experiences in the development and maintenance of wellness. Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education , 1(2). pp. 21-27. View
Excerpt: “A dose of nature has been shown to have an immediate positive effect on mental health.”
3. Barton, J and Pretty, J (2010) What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis. Environmental science & technology. 44. 3947-55. 10.1021/es903183r. View

4. Gelsthorpe, J (2017), Disconnect from nature and its effect on health and well-being, Natural History Museum Learning and Audience Research Department. View
Excerpt: “Direct sunlight exposure to the skin stimulates vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D improves the immune function, regulates the inflammatory response, and influences calcium homeostasis.”
Holick MF (2004) Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004 Dec;80(6 Suppl):1678S-88S. View

Direct physical contact with the Earth surface result in favorable physiological and electrophysiological changes that promote and support optimum health.

Earthing is shown to:

Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
Reduce inflammation
Increase cardiovascular health
Increase energy and vitality
Speed up wound healing
Help improve sleep
Support to improve sleep

Excerpt: “It is an established, though not widely appreciated fact, that the Earth’s surface possesses a limitless and continuously renewed supply of free or mobile electrons. The Earth’s negative charges can create a stable internal bioelectrical environment for the normal functioning of all body systems which may be important for setting the biological clock, regulating circadian rhythms, and balancing cortisol levels.”
1. Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health Volume. 2012, Article ID 291541. View

2. Chevalier, G and Sinatra, S (2013) Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease, THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE, Volume 19, Number 2, 2013, pp. 102–11. View

3. Oschman, J (2007), Can Electrons Act as Antioxidants?, THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Volume 13, Number 9, 2007, pp. 955–967. View
Physical disconnect with the Earth creates abnormal physiology and contributes to inflammation, pain, fatigue, stress, and poor sleep. By reconnecting to the Earth, symptoms are rapidly relieved and even eliminated and recovery from surgery, injury and athlete overexertion is accelerated.
(Ober et al, 2010)

In recent times people are becoming increasingly disconnected to themselves, others and nature leading to detrimental consequences to physical, mental and emotional health.

Why is time for self, others and Nature important?

Approximately one-third of adult life is spent at work
60% of Australian adults do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day
((Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2013. Australian Health Survey: Physical Activity, 2011-2012. ABS Cat. No. 4364.0.55.004. Canberra: ABS))

Australians spend an average of 46 hours of their weekly downtime looking at their TVs and digital devices, compared to an average of six hours engaging with family and friends
(National Survey RUOK, 2016)
In Australia 87% of children spend more time playing indoors than outdoors
(Planet Ark 2011)
Only 1 in 5 adults report completing the recommended 10,000 steps per day
((Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2013. Australian Health Survey: Physical Activity, 2011-2012. ABS Cat. No. 4364.0.55.004. Canberra: ABS))
74% of online teens access the internet between 5pm and 10pm on any given day, and 28% between 10pm and midnight
(Australian Communications and Media Authority Report Quarter 1 2014)
At 4–5 years old, children average more than two hours screen time per week-day. By 12-13 years old, children spend on average up to 30% of their daily waking time on screens
Source: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children 2015 Annual Statistical Report, Australian children’s screen time and participation in extracurricular activities

Connection with others is shown to illustrate:

Higher self-esteem and empathy
Lower levels of anxiety and depression
Better emotion regulation skills
50% increased chance of longevity
Social connection creates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical wellbeing

Excerpt: "Persons with more types of social relationships live longer and have less cognitive decline with aging, greater resistance to infectious disease, and better prognoses when facing chronic life-threatening illnesses."
1. Cohen, S, Deverts, D. J, (2009) Can we improve Our Physical Health by Altering Our Social Networks: Perspectives on Psychological Science. Vol , Issue 4, pp. 375-378.
Excerpt: “Individuals with adequate social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient social relationships.”
Holt-Lunstad, J et al (2010) Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. View

Sleep

When we sleep our body regenerates itself refreshing the mind and repairing the body. It plays a vital role in good health and wellbeing throughout our life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect our mental health, physical health, safety, and quality of life. With adequate sleep our minds and bodies function at their best.

“A well-spent day brings happy sleep.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

Nutrition

There is an increasing body of scientific data that indicates a well-balanced diet can provide a range of health benefits that are fundamental to our wellbeing, the prevention of disease and our capacity to thrive. It is important to feel how the food you eat affects your brain and body.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

Mental Health and Attitude

The extent to which our psychological state is functioning at, in relation to emotional and behavioural adjustment affects our everyday life. Attitude can be positive or negative, conscious or sub-conscious and can influence all aspects of life.

“You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind.” – Joyce Meyer

Purpose

Our first and foremost purpose in life is to look after and value ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally. Once you are healthy, you are in a better position to focus on the things that utilize your strengths, passions and beliefs to then help others.

“Respect yourself… The rest will follow.” – Pythagoras

Fun

Fun is really important for mental health and happiness- as adults we often push it aside. Fun boosts the production of neurochemicals that make us feel good – endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. It is very hard to feel sad or depressed when you’re having fun!

“There’s not one scrap of evidence to say life should be taken seriously. So find something you love and do it often.” – Tim Jack Adams

Relationships

Positive relationships help create trust. They build deeper and more meaningful emotions. They also provide companionship and a sense of belonging which gives us value. Our quality of relationships also help build resilience which is important to combat the daily stresses of life.

“The warmth of relationships throughout life have the greatest positive impact on life satisfaction.” – George Valliant

Friendships

Human beings are social animals. We all need to feel connected, spend time with other people, have someone who understands us, and who will be there for us. These feelings produce the feel-good neurochemicals – oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin.

“It’s not how many friends you can count, it’s how many you can count on.” – Anthony Liccione

Physical Health

Physical Health explores how well your body is working, the capacity to fulfil your daily home and occupational activities, your vitality and general managing your body’s health. The World Health Organisation defines health as ‘a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ (WHO, 1948).

“The greatest wealth is health.” – Virgil

Focusing on breathing has the following benefits:

Helps reduce pain
Elevates your mood – makes you happier
Stimulates the lymphatic system
Increases cardiovascular capacity
Expels Carbon
Makes you calmer
Helps deal with stress, anxiety and improves clarity of thinking
Gives you energy
Reconnection to the body

Excerpt: “mindfulness meditation training program can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic and can help maintain these reductions in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or panic disorder with agoraphobia”
1. Kabat-Zinn, J et al (1992) Effectiveness of a Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. View
Excerpt: “to increase ‘awareness’ of the self and the environment, ‘taking notice’ of the present thoughts and conditions, including one’s surroundings and how these impact on the body”
2. Ambrose-Oji, B., 2013. Mindfulness Practice in Woods and Forests: An Evidence Review. Research Report for The Mersey Forest, Forest Research. Alice Holt Lodge Farnham, Surrey.

3. Better Health Channel (2012) State of Victoria. Breathing to Reduce Stress. View

4. Grossman, P et al (2004) Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis, Journal of Phychosomatic Research, 2004 Jul;57(1):35-43. View

LEARN MORE

GreenX is and continues to be, built on astounding scientific research and practical implementation through the incredible and tireless work of individuals and organisations in the many fields that make up our 7 core elements.

Connecting to the core elements each day will help;

Reduce anxiety and stress levels
Increase productivity and creativity
Improve self-esteem and mood
Reduce the risk of depression and obesity
Strengthen relationship to self and others

Academic Research Supporting The X7 Tools

The X7 Tools

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