Benefits of Nature, Especially for Human Health
“Researchers are amassing a body of evidence, proving what we all know to be true: nature is good for us and has both long and short term mental and physical health benefits.” (https://www.asla.org/healthbenefitsofnature.aspx)
Health Benefits from Forests
- Boosts immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces stress
- Improves mood
- Increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
- Accelerates recovery from surgery or illness
- Increases energy level
- Improves sleep
(https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html, accessed 5-25-2018)
“Kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.” “Why go outside?
- It builds confidence;
- It promotes creativity and imagination;
- It provides different stimulation;
- It gets kids moving;
- It makes them think;
- It reduces stress and fatigue.”
(https://childmind.org, accessed 5-25-2018)
“Positive impacts include:
- Supports multiple development domains – intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically.
- Supports creativity and problem solving.
- Enhances cognitive abilities.
- Improves academic performance.
- Reduces ADD symptoms.
- Increases physical activity.
- Improves social relations.
- Improves self-discipline.
(https://naturalearning.org, accessed 5-25-2018)
