HOW EVERYDAY NATURE MITIGATES MODERN STRAINS  

Photo by Leena Robinson from Karolina Images  

“Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” —Hal Borland

NATURE’S SUBTLE BUT SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS 

Since each of nature’s seasons offers their own unique pleasures, identifying a favorite can be difficult. It’s hard to choose between spring’s longer days, summer’s flavorful produce, fall’s dazzling color, or the beauty of winter’s bare-tree sculptures. Yet for me, fall stands out because in addition to memorable displays, it also brings relief from hot North Carolina summers!

Nature affects our lives in many other ways, and it offers numerous benefits for health and well-being (more on this in a moment). Still, even though nature’s influence is powerful, it can be subtle and easily missed. Seasonal changes may help us pay more attention to nature’s presence, because that’s when we naturally take a closer look at the elements of nature in our environment.

NATURE’S ELEMENTS, PLEASURES, AND TREASURES

A good starting point is to notice more of the specific elements of nature in our residential environments. We can observe our experiences as we pay attention to these elements and reflect on how these interactions with nature benefit us. In other words: What stands out? What are the pleasures, and what are the treasures? Our findings might look like the ones listed below.

Nature’s Elements: What stands out? 

• Pleasant views
• Places to grow things, such as small plots, balconies, rooftops, and community gardens
• Woods and trees
• Fields, ponds, trails, and parks
• Birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife

What are the pleasures?

• Being outdoors
• Enjoying multiple sensations (sight, sound, touch, aroma) simultaneously
• Engaging actively in gardening, hiking, boating, and star-gazing
• Enjoying non-demanding mental absorption
• Being fascinated and having interesting observations

What are the treasures?

• Obtaining an antidote to the fast pace of modern living
• Enjoying a restorative break from daily demands
• Gaining time and space for contemplation, self-reflection, and processing feelings
• Feeling inspired
• Restoring mental clarity

MITIGATING MODERN STRAINS 

Research shows that just being in proximity with nature confers benefits, and with longer and deeper involvement the benefits multiply. But modern living’s competing demands for our attention, time, and energy may prevent us from attaining them. Consequently, we can be engaged in an ongoing struggle to create the necessary balance required to cope with our environment’s faster pace, mental overload, and constant change.

Yet, nature-based resources are right outside our door or window, on our window sill, in our digital photo albums, or in many other places nearby. Engaging with these resources strategically and consistently fosters introspection and can strengthen our mental and emotional capabilities in ways that are personally satisfying, enriching, and empowering.

NATURE CONTACT CAN BE EASY—AND SURPRISING

It is an interesting paradox that despite its fast pace, modern living also provides many opportunities for us to slow down through contact with nature. They may take the form of a neighbor’s container garden—like the one from my community shown below—as well as the form of city gardens, parks, lakes, pedestrian greenway systems, and other perks provided by local agencies and organizations, along with countless others. As a result, in many urban environments, access to nature can be vast.

Although I’ve enjoyed these perks for years, I was amazed that when I recently volunteered to help harvest vegetables in a local community garden—ostensibly to acquire some of the beautiful produce—I found that the restorative effect of quietly harvesting among a group of others for an hour was significantly more valuable than the produce that had caught my attention.

ENGAGING WITH NATURE LEADS TO BALANCE  

Mastering the art of leveraging nature to gain better balance seems more needed and useful now than ever before. While the activities are low cost, readily available, and pleasurable, a lack of awareness and insight may limit our ability to take advantage of them. Fortunately, helping people attain balance is one of Advanced Wellness Systems’ highest priorities. If you or your company want a more effective approach for solving modern, health-related challenges, contact us and find out more.

Joyce M. Young, MD, MPH 
Managing Director, Advanced Wellness Systems
Lead Expert for the High Health Network

Photo by Joyce Young 

PS: I’ve been driving by and admiring this beautiful garden near the office for months. When I stopped by to take photos, I met a delightful young Burmese family with 2 toddlers. Communication was limited but the garden is about a year old. They gave me vegetables—okra, green-colored eggplant and some soup leaves for fish soup. 

Sincerely,

Your colleagues at Advanced Wellness Systems