"Nature is not a place to visit....it is home"
~ Gary Synder ~
Nurtured by Nature
Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition. There is mounting evidence from dozens of researchers that nature has both benefits for physical and psychological human well being. The sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness, even when you are not immersed in nature.
Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Most research so far has focused on green spaces, such as parks and forests,
Researchers are now also beginning to study the benefits of blue spaces, places with river and ocean views. But nature comes in all shapes and sizes, and psychological research is still fine-tuning our understanding of its potential benefits. In the process, scientists are charting a course for policymaker and the public to better tap into the healing powers of Mother Nature.