Exposure to nature and greenery makes people healthier

A study once showed that recovery of surgical patients who had a view of trees had shorter hospitalizations, less need for pain killers and fewer negative comments in the nurses’ notes when compared to surgical patients with a view of a brick wall.

When we have daily exposure to nature our psychological health is improved with feelings of more tranquility, relaxation and less feelings of anger and anxiety.

Therapy for attention deficit disorder

Children with ADD are better able to concentrate on schoolwork and similar tasks when they have opportunities to take part in activities in open green spaces like a park.

Parks help kids flourish

We all agree children need access to the outdoors but one of the biggest barriers to kids playing is lack of a safe outdoor environment to do so. When kids come home from school to immediately sitting on the couch, this leads to reduced physical activity, disconnection and social isolation. Parks create an opportunity for kids to interact with the environment. One way is by helping them develop problem solving skills like trying to figure out how to cross a creek bed or make it all the way across the monkey bars.

Exposure to nature promotes coping and healing

When individuals have a view of trees, grass or flowers they report less mental fatigue, less procrastination in dealing with life issues, and feeling that their problems were less severe and more solvable than those with no views of nature.

Parks promote the social health of communities

Public parks provide a gathering place for its residents to participate in making the neighborhoods more livable. City parks offer opportunities for recreation and exercise and provide a sense of community. Residents who live near a green space are more likely to have stronger social ties than those surrounded by barren concrete.

Parks promote physical fitness

A well-laid out park should have enough green space areas for playing games of Frisbee, baseball or other vigorous activities as well as walking and/or bike trails. These designs encourage and create opportunities for individuals, young and old, to enjoy being in the outdoors and becoming healthy by promoting physical fitness.

For more information on making parks an integral part of the community you live in, visit www.nrpa.org.

For those of you interested in the magnificent beauty of the national parks across the United States, visit www.nationalparks.org