Wellness in Nature
BY MARNIE DANGERFIELD
“We don’t experience natural environments enough to realize how restored they can make us feel, nor are we aware that studies also show they make us healthier, more creative, more empathetic and more apt to engage with the world and with each other. Nature, it turns out, is good for civilization.”
– Florence Williams
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative
Time to get kindly curious, how much restorative time in nature do you experience each week?
Did you know that as little as 2 hours a week is beneficial to your overall well-being? According to Parks Prescription Canada (https://www.parkprescriptions.ca/) side effects may include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased energy
- Better mood
- Pain reduction
- Improved heart heart
- Living longer
A 2018 study declared “It’s official — spending time outside is good for you”
Its summary reads: “Living close to nature and spending time outside has significant and wide-ranging health benefits… A new report reveals that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. You can read more here:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842.htm?mc_cid=90b791d614&mc_eid=ede7b3ebef
I could share many study links (feel free to reach out if you’d like more) but it’s clear that noticing and connecting with nature is good for your overall mental, physical and spiritual well-being. You also get to reconnect to beauty, joy, awe and wonder too!
Whether you spend time in your garden, on walks along the ocean or in forests or pause to look at the sky, there are many ways to connect with nature and engage your senses.
And if you are looking for ways to pause and reconnect surrounded by the beautiful garden at HCP check out the Event Calendar here: https://hcp.ca/event/
Sign up for the next Wellness Garden Gathering with Marnie HERE.
Here’s to your well-being in nature journey!
