N is for Nature
Nature heals. As we conduct more research on the power of connecting with nature, what seems like intuition is backed by scientific data. Hospital planners/designers are making it a point to incorporate green spaces as studies show that with all things being equal, patients who have access to nature, whether walking through a garden or simply looking at it, have faster recovery time, experience less complications, and feel less pain.
Just three to five minutes spent looking at views dominated by trees, flowers or water can begin to reduce anger, anxiety and pain and to induce relaxation, according to various studies of healthy people that measured physiological changes in blood pressure, muscle tension, or heart and brain electrical activity.
Source | Scientific American
Having access to nature, from green spaces to blue spaces (bodies of water), improves our quality of life. A nature-filled environment leads to more physical activity, which in turn leads to better mental and physical health. This holds for both adults and children.
Being in contact with nature not only reduces stress and anxiety, but it boosts our immune system, ignites creativity, and increases short-term memory.
For a list of studies see: 11 Scientific Reasons You Should Be Spending More Time Outside
Few today would question the notion that every person, especially every young person, has a right to access the Internet. We should also have access to the natural world, because that connection is part of our humanity.
Richard Louv | Author & Journalist
Spaces that celebrate nature reduce air and noise pollution, and they are good for us and the environment. Whether it’s choosing a neighborhood for you and your family, or figuring out your weekend plans, this is a call to choose nature.
Do you know your city’s park score? You can check using The Trust for Public Land database.
