Nature: A Vital Resource for Our Well-Being
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The Therapeutic Power of Nature
Recently, I pondered various ways to celebrate my birthday. In what feels like a distant past, I had envisioned dining out at a favorite restaurant with my teenagers, but those plans fell through. Instead, they treated me to a surprisingly good homemade meal—something I foresee relying on in the weeks to come.
However, I did stick to one plan: my Monday morning stroll along the C&O Canal, a beautiful area managed by the National Park Service near the Potomac River. To make it extra special, we decided to enjoy a picnic breakfast. I sent an email to my friends, stating, “No gifts, no hugs, no sharing food.” Each of us brought our own snacks and coffee in thermoses. Although it felt a bit awkward, we managed to maintain a six-foot distance while walking and sitting, sharing plenty of laughs and commiserating over the vultures that seemed to be watching us.
Being outdoors in nature has emerged as one of the few remaining safe spaces where we can still gather with others. As we adapt to standing, walking, or running six feet apart, many are opting to refer to this practice as physical distancing rather than social distancing. Numerous experts agree that spending time outside is one of the most effective methods for reducing anxiety and strengthening our immune systems. We face not only a perilous virus but also a mental health crisis fueled by stress, anxiety, and isolation.
Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, an OB-GYN and functional medicine practitioner at Van Diest Medical Center near Des Moines, Iowa, has been advocating for time spent in nature for the past four years. She emphasizes its importance now more than ever. Hackenmiller explains that absorbing vitamin D from sunlight enhances our immune systems. She cites studies indicating that visits to green spaces populated with trees can significantly boost immune cell activity, particularly killer T cells, as well as other proteins that help combat bacteria and viruses.
“Now is the time to connect with nature,” she advises, encouraging individuals to “grab a tree and hold on.”
The Healing Benefits of Natural Environments
One reason for this, researchers propose, is that plants release large quantities of phytoncides—compounds that protect them from pests. These compounds might offer humans a benefit when inhaled. Studies have shown that spending just 15 to 20 minutes outdoors can elevate our mood, ease anxiety, and lower blood pressure. Engaging with nature through activities like listening to birds or watching clouds provides a form of “soft fascination,” distracting us from our worries and helping us avoid ruminating on our problems.
A 2019 study from the University of Exeter Medical School concluded that individuals who spend two hours weekly in green spaces enjoy significantly better mental and physical health compared to those who spend less time outdoors, even when controlling for income and physical activity levels.
Even more relevant in these trying times, experiencing beauty and awe in nature seems to foster a sense of community and interconnectedness. Public parks serve as a reminder of our civic ties, a crucial aspect of maintaining our collective well-being during uncertain times. As park designer Frederick Law Olmsted noted in 1870, visiting such spaces is fundamental not just to democracy but also to preserving a calm and healthy mindset.
In response to the public's need for nature during crises, the National Park Service has waived entrance fees while closing some iconic parks and indoor facilities. They encourage people to explore local parks, gather in small groups, and responsibly dispose of their waste. Many city park authorities across the country are striving to keep parks open for as long as possible, adapting to the rapidly changing circumstances.
“It’s not just acceptable; we need to encourage outdoor activity as long as we maintain six feet of distance,” says Dr. David Sabgir, medical director for cardiac rehabilitation at Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus, Ohio, and founder of the national Walk With a Doc initiative.
Cultivating a Connection with Nature
Now is also an ideal moment to nurture your or your children's naturalist skills. The app iNaturalist, a collaboration between the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, assists users in identifying plants and animals while allowing them to share their discoveries with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility—furthering our collective efforts to understand and protect nature.
If you can't visit a park, there are still effective ways to enjoy the benefits of trees, sunlight, and fresh air. A significant study from 1984 found that patients recovering from surgery experienced quicker recoveries and required less pain medication when their hospital rooms had views of natural greenery.
If you’re working from home, consider positioning your workspace near a window. Frequently glance outside at a tree, if one is available. You could also play recordings of birdsong, rainfall, or flowing water to counteract the stress of the news. Regularly watching the sunset from your rooftop or street, or simply gazing at the clouds, serves as a reminder that we all share the same sky.
Nature may indeed be one of our most promising allies in sustaining and nurturing civilization.