LLNESS
STUDENT ENROLLMENT, ENGAGEMENT AND SERVICES
Nature for
In addition to improving our health, it can also help keep us well. While personally I’ d love to have two hours a day to walk in nature, Dr. Li provides suggestions for bringing nature into your home or workplace to promote health. Options to include:
• Add plants, if you have a green thumb, although bamboo is said to be fairly easy to care for
• Include pictures of nature
• Try essential oils with a reed diffuser with smells of the forest like cedar wood, rosemary or pine.
• Play sounds of nature like birdsongs, flowing water or wind sounds
• Drinking tea
• Go touch grass! Take a green micro-break during your lunch hour and get bare foot( carefully) in the grass, a practice called“ earthing” or“ grounding”.
Nature is fundamental to our humanity, our connection to our planet, our heritage and culture, and our community. Give it a try this summer, get outside and see how your wellness may grow.
This information is provided for educational or informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Recommendations:
• Leaving your cell phone behind
• Listening to the sounds of nature
• Looking at the natural beauty around you
• Smelling the air
• Touching the ground( preferably barefoot, if safe, or touch a tree)
• If you’ re 100 % certain it is safe, try tasting some of nature( may be a tea).
Benefits:
• Improved mood
• Reduced fatigue
• Improved sleep quality and length( afternoon is better than morning walks);
• Reduced anxiety depression and anger
• Boosts in the immune system and other physical health.
References:
Li, Q.( 2018). Forest bathing: how trees can help you find health and happiness. Viking.
Nguyen, P., Astell-Burt, T., Rahimi-Ardabili, H., & Feng, X.( 2023). Effect of nature prescriptions on cardiometabolic and mental health, and physical activity: a systemic review. Lancet Planet Health, 7, 313-328.
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