Prescription for health and happiness
Over the past decade, researchers from fields as
diverse as biology, psychiatry, engineering, horticulture, neuroscience,
and medicine have realized what most of us know intuitively: nature is
good for our health and wellbeing. These experts have discovered
countless links between time spent outdoors and cognitive, physical, and
emotional development.
Studies show that enjoying a natural setting – like
a park, beach, wetland, or forest – can reduce blood pressure, anxiety,
and stress levels. Exposure to nature can help you sleep well and
increase vigour and liveliness. It can even boost your immune system.
In their new book Your Brain on Nature,
naturopath Alan Logan and Harvard physician Eva Selhub cite dozens of
studies that demonstrate the health benefits of the natural world. They
even refer to outdoor physical activity as “exercise squared” because it
can increase energy and fitness levels while reducing fatigue,
depression, and obesity.
Melissa Lem, a family doctor and member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment,
says exposure to nature is vitally important for kids. She suggests
that time spent with flora and fauna is essential for healthy
psychological and physical development in children. In a recent Docs Talk column
she points to studies that show daily doses of “green time” can be used
to prevent and treat conditions like Top of FormBottom of Formattention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, hypertension, and diabetes. Ailments
like myopia, asthma, and depression have also been linked to inadequate
nature exposure.
While this scientific body of evidence is
fascinating and growing quickly, most of us remain unaware of the full
range of health benefits that nature provides. And with more than 80 per
cent of Canadians now living in urban settings, many of us lack a
meaningful, regular connection with the natural environment that
sustains us. Getting in touch with the outdoors has another great
benefit: those who know and love nature work harder to protect it.
This is why the David Suzuki Foundation is about to launch its first ever 30x30 Challenge.
Starting June 1, we’re inviting Canadians to spend at least 30 minutes
in nature each day for 30 days. By encouraging people to get a regular
dose of fresh air we hope to help participants take advantage of the
many health benefits nature has to offer. They might even make it part
of their continuing daily practice.
With the busy lives that many of us lead, taking
time to get outside may seem difficult. But it’s easier than you think.
Green space is as close as your local park or backyard garden. Trails,
ravines, and community gardens are often a short distance from the daily
grind. And birds, bees, and other critters are usually nearby; you just
have to take time to slow down, breathe, watch, and listen.
Are you curious about how you can get your daily
dose of nature? Ditch the indoor gym and go for a run or walk in a park
or on a trail instead. Use your lunch break to get out of the office and
visit a nearby green space. Find a nice leafy tree and read a book in
the shade. Brush off your green thumb and spruce up your garden. And on
June 15, make plans to get outside with your favourite little ones on Nature Play Day in Canada.
For the young at heart, a British organization called the National Trust has put together a fun list of 50 activities all children should do
before they are 11¾ years old. While playing conkers (a game involving
chestnuts on strings) might not be among the top 50 Canadian pastimes,
the list includes cool activities that are worthwhile for any age. The
joys of rolling down a big hill, eating an apple picked fresh from a
tree, and hunting for bugs are truly timeless.
Join the 30x30 Challenge
beginning June 1 and incorporate small natural diversions into your
daily routine for a month. Add some green to your commute, lunch break,
workout schedule, or playtime. And remember, a daily dose of nature is
good for your head, heart, and health.
Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.
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