Tag Archive for: nature

Quantifying the Benefits of Nature

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When this type of study is published, we can think of it as touchy-feely; in other words, it’s about how we feel more than hard numbers. That may be true on the surface, but let’s take a look at the effect on society from just one benefit of spending time in nature.

The study showed that if people spent just 30 minutes per week in a park, the rate of depression in cities could be reduced by 7%. While they didn’t test it, I would say that’s true for just about anybody who spends time . . .

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Research on Nature and Health

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I’m back on the deck to write today’s message about the benefits of spending time with nature (1). Researchers tested over 1,500 subjects who live in urban settings; they wanted to quantify visits to parks in cities with physical measures such as depression, blood pressure, social interactions, and physical activity (2). If you’re a long-time reader, you know I prefer studies with solid measurements such as body weight or cholesterol levels. Surveys and questionnaires are subject to how a person feels at any given moment, but these researchers used the best instruments available.

They found . . .

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Does Nature Improve Health?

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One of my favorite places during the summer is on our deck. I just love sitting out there in the cool of the morning. On a calm day with little humidity, it’s great even when the temperature hits the mid-80s; the shade sail helps. Working or relaxing, it’s my favorite place. The flowers. The trees. The birds, especially the frequent visits by hummingbirds. This patch of nature didn’t happen by accident. Over the 15 years we’ve been here, Paula has created a space that soothes the mind, helps creativity, and lifts the soul. That’s . . .

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