Nature Heals, Soothes and Restores…
Increasing urbanisation, busy lifestyles, screen-based technologies, reduced backyards and access to green space, and growing phobias of the perceived dangers of outdoor environments have all contributed to the decline in our outdoor living. But our outdoor environments form a critical part of our living fabric, shaping our identity and function, defining how we live and influencing our social makeup and connections with our community and place.
The restorative benefits of nature now overwhelming supported with a range of evidence too compelling to ignore. Did you know that even a short amount of time engaging in nature helps us to:
- Reduce stress, depression and anxiety
- Improve sleep, happiness, wellbeing and life satisfaction
- Improve blood pressure, pain control, immune function, diabetes and allergies
- Improve learning, creativity, sustained attention and child development (cognitive and motor)
- Respect and appreciate our natural places and
- Increase our emotional relationship with nature, enhancing feeling of gratitude and care for ourselves, others and the communities we live in*
The nature in our cities, rural areas, and neighbourhoods is vastly underutilised in its ability to promote physical and mental wellbeing. It is also underutilised in its ability to create good social and environmental behaviours. Being outside is good, but connecting with or noticing nature is even better! The scientific evidence of this has not yet translated into mainstream behaviour, programs or policy.
We invite you to explore our stories, research and projects on how we can all play a more active role in creating healthier and happier communities.
To learn more about our nature-based services, please CONNECT.