A recent article in the NY Times talks about doctors prescribing working in the garden as a way to improve health and quality of life. It appears that the medical profession is beginning to see spending time working in the garden as a way to not only grow fresh local organic produce – it is a way to improve one’s health.
While nature is ‘healing’ for cities, an additional focus of the report might have included how nature is healing for people, also. Biophilic design, as described by Stephen Kellert, connects people with nature. Maintaining a connection with nature has been found to improve our health and over-all well-being. Nature and cities and people can evolve together. A link to the NPR story on Morning Edition, can be found at: http://www.npr.org/2014/09/26/351678359/rethinking-the-relationship-between-civilization-and-nature
We all too often take nature – more specifically – plants for granted. There is a research study that examines the causes of ‘plant blindness’. many people just see evergreens and deciduous trees. Some botanists are helping people to look closer at the natural world around us. A You Tube serires looks at the ways plants positively influence our lives – youtube.com/plantsarecooltoo A recent article by Virginia A. Smith in the Phil. Inquirer “Botanists Battle Plant Blindness with Seeds of Knowledge” highlights the fact that plants are an integral part of our survival. http://articles.philly.com/2014-09-13/news/53855438_1_plants-botanists-blindness This is one aspect of how plants and nature in general influences our lives on a daily basis. Stop for a minutes, wherever you are, and focus on the natural world around you. This could be on your way to work, during a lunch time stroll with friends or maybe walking the god. Wherever you are – take a closer look at nature. It will help reduce stress and improve your health. A nice side benefit!
There are several good books out this season that will be of benefit for you and your garden. The article in the NY Times on May 29th offers several suggestions on a variety of subjects, from plant care to natural remedies to even understanding weeds a little better. Enjoy!
THE ROYAL Horticultural Society is urging people to fight the winter blues by heading into their gardens and allotments. A new survey from the organisation has revealed that more than 80% people believe gardening makes them happier, with 70% saying they would prefer to work in a garden to an office. Guy Barter, RHS Chief Advisor, said: “Coming in January, traditionally thought of as the most depressing month of the year when job hunting is at its highest, these stats might prompt a few to think about their career direction. “With these stats showing that most people feel happy gardening, the RHS would love to encourage more people to try getting outside to garden away those winter blues. “Obviously January isn’t a typical time you’d think about gardening, but there’s lots you can do to start getting your plot in shape for spring like digging up beds and lugging about pots, all of which are also great for releasing endorphins – and cheaper than the gym.” To read more, visit the article at: http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/Gardening-solution-winter-blues-according-RHS/story-20500532-detail/story.html
Drs. Oz and Roizen are suggesting we take a walk in nature. The benefits are far reaching, from reduced stress to improved mood. As we know – access to nature results in improvements in our overall health and quality of life.
We know that looking at nature makes us feel better. Well, one of the easiest forms of exercise may be the best for us. It may be over simplified to say – go take a walk! Yet, we may also need to say – go take a walk in nature. Research from the University of Edinburgh has shown that something as simple as a walk in a ‘leafy park’ can help to reduce stress and improve our concentration. This research study indicates that natural settings elicit more contemplative moods and even a form of meditation. The results of the research study “The urban brain: analysing outdoor physical activity with mobile EEG” has shown that people feel less frustrated and are more relaxed when spending time in nature. These nature filled green spaces can be a “mood-enhancing environment for walking or for other forms of physical or reflective activity.” So, based upon this information, why aren’t we trying to create more green environments. And, even more to the point, why aren’t we trying to help people spend more time outside in nature? This is something that we all need to focus more time and attention on to make happen. The garden starts at the door. A patio create the social space for enticing people to spend more time in nature. And, when we are outside – what can we do to create these ‘leafy’ outdoor areas?. Are there places that we can create walking paths in nature? Don’t forget to include benches for resting, bird feeders to help attract the birds, and plants that offer season interest. All the evidence says that we should be doing more to entice people to get outside. Is there a patio area that encourages people to spend some time outside? Garden features like tables, chairs and an umbrella make it a pleasant place to sit and socialize. A grill, fountain, wind chimes and other garden elements make spending time outside more fun. It’s spring, so, let’s get started! Do you have an area that could be developed, or one that is in need of being restored? Its important to find the ways to help people get outside and enjoy nature. If we are happier, more relaxed and feeling less stressed, in nature – it’s a good thing!
Circadian rhythms are the natural waking and sleeping cycles of our body. If we travel between time zones our circadian rhythms are upset and we may be hungry at the wrong time or cannot get to sleep because the natural clock in our body is thrown off. It has been shown that one of the best ways to reset our circadian rhythms is to spend time in the sunlight, such as enjoying time in a garden. An article on our circadian rhythms in today’s Wall Street Journal (WSJ) indicates that there are optimal times during the day for specific tasks and activities. A good way to regulate our bodies clock is to stay connected to nature. It is a natural way to reset and/or maintain our natural rhythms . A link to the article in the WSJ can be found at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444180004578018294057070544.html?mod=ITP_personaljournal_0
I recently had the opportunity to lead a tour of the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. The tour was part of the ‘Healthy Environments Across Generations’ conference by the Collaboration on Health and the Environment held at the Academy of Medicine in NYC. It was exciting to be a part of the conference and to share thoughts and ideas with so many people from other disciplines. A highlight of the event was being able to lead a group of people attending the conference on a tour of the Conservatory Gardens, which are located in the north east side of Central Park at 105th Street and Fifth Avenue. The weather was perfect for walking though the gardens. We discussed the need for parks, especially in urban areas. Olmsted, who designed Central park, understood the need to create these green oasis to help people restore health and well-being through nature. The event was especially poignant because of my personal connection to the NYC parks. My grandfather was head of the Parks Department on Staten Island years ago. I remember going to work with him and his stories about the parks. He is the inspiration for what I am doing today as a landscape architect. So, nature does influence who and what we are on so many different levels. Be sure to visit your parks and open space areas this summer. They will make you feel, better. I promise! To see pictures of the Conservatory Garden in Central park – take a look at this video clip. You definitely have to visit Central park when you are in the area. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxBdM_FfCUY Enjoy!
The research is validating what we instinctively know to be true – that spending time outside makes us feel better. Taking a walk, gardening, fishing, bike riding and other activities can elevate our moods and we have a better felling about our quality of life. The surprising fact is that this benefit can occur in as little as five minutes! If you’re tired of looking for the perfect how long do cbd gummies last before they expire, look no further. Our selection “how long do cbd gummies last before they expire” of the best products on the market will help you make an educated purchase – Please click the link below.. Researchers in the United Kingdom analyzed data collected from over 1,200 people of all ages, genders and mental health status and were able to show that activity in nature settings improved mental and physical health. The researchers, Jules Pretty and Jo Barton, Ph.D. indicated that activity in nature decreases the risk of mental illness and improves the sense of well-being. “Just 5 minutes of exercise in a green nature setting can boost mood and self-esteem.” So, be sure to get outside. Especially this time of year, as we retreat indoors for the winter season. Spending time in the garden doing some end of year chores or possibly getting ready for the spring season are important – for us as well as the garden. Maybe it means taking a walk on a sunny day to get that dose of Vitamin D and limit the effects of seasonal affected disorder. What ever the reason – be sure to maintain your connection with nature by getting outside. The article can be found in Science Daily – http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100502080414.htm)
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