Karina Rodriguez | THE RIDER
Since classes have been moved online and the world seems to be shut down, it is easy to forget the many benefits of nature.
This Spring Break, I was reminded of how being outdoors can truly boost your mood and even provide health benefits. I spent a day at the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge hiking trail, which allowed me to soak up the sun and provided me with much-needed vitamin D.
In a study published by Environmental and Forest Sciences Professor Gregory Bratman from the University of Washington, he writes about the positive effect nature can have on mental health.
In “Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective,” Bratman states how we are removed from nature in today’s world.
“Several aspects of contemporary lifestyles are associated with reduced routine nature contact,” wrote Bratman. “One is urban living. Cities are centers of prosperity, employment opportunities, access to education, health and human services, and cultural advancement, all aspects of life that may promote mental health. However, they can also be associated with decreased access to nature, especially for individuals living within economically deprived urban areas.”
The study also notes that people who live near nature, or in contact with some aspects of nature, tend to have better mental health.
“Cross-sectional and longitudinal research has found that the psychological well-being of a population can be associated, in part, with its proximity to green space, blue space (i.e. aquatic and marine environments), and street trees or private gardens in both urban and rural settings,” Bratman states in his study.
So, while it may be easy to want to stay inside and glued to your electronics, it is important to remember the benefits that nature can provide for you. When you can, unplug and go outside and soak up a bit of sun because you never know how it can positively affect you.
