“An emerging body of scientific evidence suggests not spending much time outdoors connected to the natural world can be connected to rising rates of depression, attention deficit disorder, Vitamin D deficiency (an epidemic in the world), and child obesity.” Being in nature is connected to cognitive development, the ability to learn, and the ability to control ourselves,” Richard Louv says.
Exposure to nature is so beneficial.
Humans are hard-wired genetically for an affiliation with the natural world and suffer when they’re deprived of it. (“biophilia” theory)
The brain relaxes in nature, entering a state of contemplative attention that is restorative or refreshing. Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Louv says there’s enough evidence of the physical and mental health benefits of time in nature that schools should be mandated to include it in the standard curriculum.
Richard Louv is the author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, says spending time in nature has a wide range of benefits for physical and mental health.
By Pauline Dakin, extract from CBC News
Toms’s footnote: If you can’t afford three or four hours to take a bushwalk, just take a walk. Taking a walk has been found to be the closest thing to a “cure all”. While you are walking, make sure to put your attention on your surroundings. Look at whatever is around you. If you can, do it in a park or by the sea.
Toms Blog on Life and Livingness