The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature on Physical & Mental Well-Being

The Importance of Nature 

In today's fast-paced, screen-dominated world, it's more important than ever to encourage children and their caregivers to step outside and reconnect with nature. That's the whole idea behind Backyard Detectives, Inc., a project inspired by the real-life adventures of our endlessly

curious son, Alec. With his constant "why" questions, Alec led us on countless explorations of our backyard and beyond, uncovering the wonders of the natural world. Little did we know how our outdoor exploring was keeping us extra healthy.

Our Adventures 

Alec on the Famous Sidewalk!

We were blessed to have a green space behind our home that served more like a personal park. It was there on our suburban property in Beavercreek that the "Mystery on the Sidewalk" story both begins and ends.

Our adventures often took us to local parks, such as searching for fossils at Germantown Metroparks, or exploring the nooks and crannies of the Adena Indian Mound Reserve in Xenia, OH. Climbing the mound and discovering its history were among our favorite activities.

We also had a penchant for studying moths and butterflies that had met an untimely end. With a spritz of sealant, these delicate creatures found a home in Alec's nature box, which he still keeps. Small animal jaws with teeth or dismantling an old bird nest provided us with fascinating moments that captured our attention, making time seem to stand still.

The Backyard Detectives, Inc. book series aims to inspire other families to embark on similar adventures, starting in their own backyards, and rediscover the magic of nature.

The Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature 

Picture this: a tranquil forest, the rustling of leaves, the gentle chirping of birds, and the fresh scent of pine. Research has shown that spending at least two hours a week in nature can have significant mental health benefits. This can be achieved through simple activities like walking, gardening, or eating your lunch outside.

In Japan, the practice of "forest bathing" (shinrin-yoku) has been studied extensively and is known to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Studies from institutions like the European Centre for Environment & Human Health and publications in the Journal of Environmental Psychology have shown that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels and boost feelings of happiness and relaxation.

A landmark study by Mathew White and colleagues at the University of Exeter discovered that two hours per week is the sweet spot for improved health and well-being. Their research revealed that this amount of time provides enough exposure to nature to reap its benefits without feeling like a burden to fit into a busy schedule. Whether it's a stroll in the park, tending to a garden, or a short bike ride, these simple activities can make a significant difference in our mental and emotional health.

But it’s not just about mental health; spending time in nature can also strengthen social bonds. Izenstark and Ebata (2017) found that mothers and daughters experienced greater closeness after a walk in an arboretum compared to a shopping mall. Similarly, Cameron-Faulkner et al. (2018) discovered that parents and children had more meaningful conversations while exploring an arboretum than when they visited an indoor educational center.

References:

• European Centre for Environment & Human Health

• Journal of Environmental Psychology

• Journal of Environmental Psychology Social Connections

• University of Exeter study by Mathew White and colleagues

• Izenstark and Ebata (2017)

• Cameron-Faulkner et al. (2018)

My Personal Connection to Nature 

For me, spending time outside is like recharging my soul. I don’t feel complete if I can’t get outside every day. I am mesmerized by all the different natural elements on our property, from the glorious Beech, Maple, Walnut and Oak trees that tower over everything, to the tiniest creatures that live above and below the soil.

I've made it my mission to disrupt nature as little as possible and to restore and develop our property to meet the needs of both humans and nature, maintaining the delicate balance that sustains all living things. We have a 500-gallon cistern that collects rainwater from our barn roof, which we use to water the garden.

I created a native terrestrial zone that stretches from one side of our home and into the woods that includes viburnum, hydrangea, witch hazel, buckeye, and sumac, just to name a few. The zone slopes down to a rain garden where the runoff can slowly drain into the ground and nearby wetland.

And I would be remiss if I didn't speak of the ducks. Yes, our duck manure serves as fertilizer, and we compost all our food waste including coffee grounds and sourdough discard to use in our gardens and orchard.

I haven't done everything perfectly, but I learn from my mistakes and am always looking for ways to give back to nature. Nature brings me joy, and without spending time in it, I'd be the crabbiest person alive.

Ways to Spend Time in Nature 

Here are some fun and straightforward ways you can enjoy the benefits of nature, whether with your children or on your own:

• Hiking: Lace up your hiking boots and explore local trails. In Greene County Ohio, we always treasured our adventures at Glenn Helen Nature Preserve & John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs and the Indian Mound Reserve just outside of Xenia. Each location has special nature features and exploring them is half the fun!

  

  Adena Indian Mound

  Now, living in Champaign County, we enjoy time at Kiser Lake State Park when we're not exploring our own property.

• Gardening: Spend some time getting your hands dirty by planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs and watch them grow. If you don't have room for a garden, use pots or plant herbs to green up your thumbs. Gardening can be a therapeutic activity that allows you to connect with mother nature and nurture life from its beginnings.

• Cleaning Up Litter: Start safe and grab some nitrile gloves or a reacher-grabber tool and make a positive impact on the environment by cleaning up litter in your neighborhood. It's a fantastic way to instruct children about the importance of caring for our planet.

• Visiting a Local Park or Greenspace: Take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic in a nearby park. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you relax and unwind. The health-related benefits add up quickly.

• Birdwatching: Bring a pair of binoculars and a bird guide to your local park and see how many varied species you can spot. It's a fun and educational activity for all ages.

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Nature Journaling: Grab a notebook and sketch or write about what you see, hear, and feel while spending time in nature. It's a wonderful way to document your experiences and reflect on the beauty around you.

• Outdoor Yoga: Find a peaceful spot and practice yoga in the great outdoors. Enhance your connection with nature and find inner calm as you stretch and breathe.

The Call to Action 

So, what are you waiting for? Step outside and start your own nature adventure today and reap the health benefits! And don't forget to share your experiences and ideas in the comments below—let's inspire each other to embrace the healing power of nature.

Alec's 1st Exploration Boots