As part of the natural world, we are connected to and restored by it. These restorative benefits of nature, some experts now believe, can lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and reduce stress. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, describes the human costs of alienation from nature: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses. He termed the combination of these symptoms nature deficit disorder; this condition can be detected in individuals, families, and communities.
Nature deficit can even change human behavior in cities, which could ultimately affect their design, since long-standing studies show a relationship between the absence or inaccessibility of parks and open space with an increase in crime rates, depression, and other urban problems. Scientific studies show that being in a natural environment lowers blood pressure, reduces muscle tension. In fact, just looking at pictures or videos of nature can reduce stress and lessen negative emotions.
The joy of the outdoors
We all have our own special way to “get back to nature.” One easy way is to open the windows and listen for those birds! Bringing live plants into the house, apartment or workplace is a great beginning. Believe me — it takes a lot to kill a schefflera plant. Take a lunch outside or sit near the bird feeder for breakfast. Go on a picnic this weekend. Of course, we have already talked about walking or other outdoor activities and sports, which would just increase the benefits and joy of being outside.
Another reason to get outside is not only for the sights, smells and sounds, but for the sunlight itself. Remember that vitamin D is naturally formed in our bodies from sunlight on our skin. Also, research has proven that lack of sunlight actually affects our emotions. For some people, symptoms of depression, sleep disorder, change in behavior, and physical symptoms are so great that they are diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The effects of the seasons were well known in ancient times but were all but abandoned by modern medical practitioners until the 1980s when SAD was first diagnosed.
‘Winter blues’
Since a lack of light is the primary problem, it isn’t surprising that SAD is more prevalent in winter and that Northerners are at greater risk than Southerners. Light therapy has been an effective treatment for SAD as well as for milder forms of seasonal depression, often referred to as “winter blues.” In fact, most patients improve in less than a week. Symptoms of SAD need to be monitored in children especially in the northern states during the winter months. Exercise, rest, hugs, kisses, laughter and other necessities for children that reduce stress hormones also lessen the symptoms of SAD, but getting parents, grandparents and children out into the sunshine is the best way to prevent it.
As a helpful resource, I have lots of articles on healthy ingredients and recipes that you can implement into your daily life.
If you’d like to dig deeper into my journey of discovering God’s plan for health and wellness, check out my book, Made For Paradise: God’s Original Plan for Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Rest.
