If it wasn’t apparent before, the pandemic drove it home. Access to nature is imperative for our physical, mental, and social health. Here are a few ways that access to nature is linked to our health:
Mind
Spending time outdoors has been linked with reductions in depression, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, and increases in self-esteem, focus, memory, and creativity.
Body
Some preliminary studies have found that phytoncides, organic compounds released by trees, help to reduce stress hormones, improve sleep and your immune system, and enhance white blood cells that help fight cancer.
Soul
There are new theories emerging about “awe”—the feeling that comes over you when you see something mind blowing that really makes you stop and take it in. Gazing up at trees for one minute can increase prosocial behaviors, such as compassion.
Earth
Protecting the environment plays a key role in our health. Coast redwood trees clean more carbon from the air and store it longer than any other tree. They also capture water from rain and even fog and trickle it down to streams.
Courtesy:
Save the redwoods
3/2/22