Need a Mental Pick-Me-Up? Connect with Nature!

The benefits of outdoor exercise for physical health have long been known, but research is showing that exposure to nature can also be good for our mental health. According to one article: “The growing body of research — combined with an intuitive understanding that nature is vital and increased concerns about the exploding use of smart phones and other forms of technology — has led to tipping point at which health experts, researchers, and government officials are now proposing widespread changes aimed at bringing nature into people’s everyday lives.” Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health - Yale E360

The positive effects of being out in nature can include combating seasonal affective disorder, depression and other issues of mental health. So, improve your mood and your physical and mental health by going outdoors when you can! Here are some excellent reading materials on the topic from the Mercer County Library System:

The Secret Therapy of Trees: Harness the Healing Energy of Forest Bathing and Natural Landscapes

By Marco Mencagli

Our connection to nature is deeply rooted in the history of our evolution. And yet, we have less contact with green space now than ever, and our stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high. The Secret Therapy of Trees helps us rediscover the restorative value of our natural environment and presents the science behind green therapies like forest bathing and bioenergetic landscapes, explaining which are the most effective and how to put them into practice to achieve the best possible results.

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative

By Florence Williams

This investigation into the restorative benefits of nature draws on cutting-edge research and the author's explorations with international nature therapy programs to examine the relationship between nature and human cognition, mood, and creativity.

The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature

By Peter Wohlleben

In an era of cell phone addiction and ever-expanding cities, many of us fear we've lost our connection to nature--but Peter Wohlleben is convinced that age-old ties linking humans to the forest remain alive and intact. Whether we observe it or not, our blood pressure stabilizes near trees, the color green calms us, and the forest sharpens our senses.

The Secret Wisdom of Nature: Trees, Animals, and the Extraordinary Balance of All Living Things: Stories from Science and Observation

By Peter Wohlleben

Wohlleben takes readers on a thought-provoking exploration of the vast natural systems that make life on Earth possible. In this tour of an almost unfathomable world, Wohlleben describes the fascinating interplay between animals and plants and answers such questions as: How do they influence each other?

Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness

By Qing Li

The definitive guide to the therapeutic Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or the art and science of how trees can promote health and happiness. Notice how a tree sways in the wind. Run your hands over its bark. Take in its citrusy scent. As a society we suffer from nature deficit disorder, but studies have shown that spending mindful, intentional time around trees--what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing--can promote health and happiness.

The Eight Master Lessons of Nature: What Nature Teaches Us about Living Well in the World

By Gary Ferguson

A riveting manifesto for the millions of people who long to forge a more vital, meaningful connection to the natural world to live a better, more fulfilling life. Looking around at the world today--a world of skyscrapers, super highways, melting ice caps, and rampant deforestation--it is easy to feel that humanity has actively severed its ties with nature.

Forest Bathing: Discovering Health and Happiness through the Japanese Practice of Shinrin Yoku (a Start Here Guide)

By Cyndi Gilbert

Ready to get outside and connect with nature? Check out all of the beautiful open spaces and parks right in your own backyard! Here are two websites to get you started:

Mercer County Parks: https://www.mercercountyparks.org/#!/

Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space: https://www.fohvos.info/

- By Sharon S., Ewing Branch