April 24, 2021

Quote of the Week

"Nature can bring you to stillness, that is its gift to you." --Eckhart Tolle

Nurtured By Nature

From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Most research so far has focused on green spaces such as parks and forests, and researchers are now also beginning to study the benefits of blue spaces, places with river and ocean views.

But nature comes in all shapes and sizes, and psychological research is still fine-tuning our understanding of its potential benefits. In the process, scientists are charting a course for policymakers and the public to better tap into the healing powers of Mother Nature. “There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human well­being,” says Lisa Nisbet, PhD, a psychologist at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, who studies connectedness to nature. “You can boost your mood just by walking in nature, even in urban nature. And the sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.” Read more in this week's featured article from the American Psychological Association on how time in nature can improve our mental health.

Reading Corner

Title: Put On Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses and Discover Nature's Secrets; Mapping, Tracking & Journaling Activities
By: Devin Franklin
Ages: 8-13

"Children will see the natural world around them with brand new eyes, as they learn to follow its signs, hear its language, and understand its secrets. With this unique and compelling book written by expert environmental educator Devin Franklin, kids [...] will build their own relationship with nature through finding a “Sit Spot” — an outdoor space [...] where they can stop, observe, and become familiar with the flora and fauna that live there." --Publishers

Be the Change

Try any of these 20 great ideas from National Geographic on getting your kids outside to bring out the explorer in them and celebrate Earth Day this weekend!