overcoming nature deficit disorder

     I want to continue to explore the topic of the benefits of nature and natural environments on us.  

     Research has been done in hospitals that shows patients that looked out on trees and plants as opposed to viewing a brick wall recovered more quickly.  Honestly who wouldn't want to  look out a window and see a natural environment as opposed to a brick wall or a parking lot?  It doesn't help that the colors generally chosen for hospital walls borders on horrid. It just seems logical to me that sick people would want to see some trees or flowers out the window.

     Viewing nature requires very little from us.  Our everyday life takes energy from us, but natural environments give back.  They rejuvenate.  We need to concentrate on all our activities like driving or writing an email or report that it mentally drains us. Viewing nature doesn't require us to concentrate.  Our minds can switch modes and relax which allows it to refill it's energy required for our other activities.

     Many city and apartment dwellers don't have much of a natural view from their homes. This is a condition that would support bringing in house plants or pictures of nature into the home and even your office decor.  The workplace shouldn't be left out in a consideration to bring a more natural environment into our lives.  Imagine how good you would feel taking a nature break in the middle of the day! Your afternoon would be more energized if you refueled your nature requirement for healthy living.

     Stay tuned as next post I want to talk about what other countries are doing as they realize the impact and value that nature has in our lives and surroundings.