Stress Reduction Stress is a major contributor to ill health . Left unresolved , long-term stress can lead to immune system issues and illness . The experience of nature is one antidote to stress , and the body ’ s positive response is remarkably fast , occurring within minutes . Studies by environmental psychologists show that visual exposure to nature , in the form of trees , grass and flowers , can effectively reduce stress , particularly if initial stress levels are high .
Better Mental Health and Functioning Experiences of nearby nature contribute to better mental health and improve one ’ s capacity to be productive according to Attention Restoration Theory . Modern life often demands sustained focus on projects , and this effort can lead to cognitive overload , bringing on irritability and an inability to function effectively , often with physical symptoms . Views or brief experiences of nearby nature help to restore the mind from mental fatigue , as natural settings provide respite from the highly focused attention needed for most tasks in school or at work . This may contribute to higher productivity in the workplace , as research shows that office worker with a view of nature are better able to attend to tasks , report fewer illnesses and have higher job satisfaction . Increased time of nature experience ( up to 1.5 hours ) increases the restorative effect .
Improved Mindfulness and Creativity Contemporary lifestyles are very busy , and there is a greater need for intentional time-outs to be mindful . Studies of mindfulness workshops , held for both mentally healthy and clinically depressed individuals , show benefits of improved mood , cognitive function and immune response . Nature settings offer sensory inputs that are mentally restorative and can foster ideation . In a study of creative professionals , nature experiences enhanced creativity by evoking new ways of thinking , promoting curiosity and encouraging more flexible thinking . A nature recharge may support creativity , as the restored mind is better at analyzing and developing ideas .
Building Social Capital Social capital , a critical condition for a host of community benefits , is formed from the interpersonal relationships of people and resulting supportive networks . The mere presence of landscape or trees appears to promote community connections . Views of green space from homes are linked to greater perceptions of well-being and neighborhood satisfaction . Public housing residents reported feeling more safe if their development had well-maintained landscaping , including trees and grass . Greener public housing neighborhoods tend to be safer , with fewer incivilities and less reported crimes . Active involvement in community greening and nature restoration projects also produces social benefits , including strengthening of intergenerational ties and organizational empowerment . Scientific evidence should be the basis of future efforts to make cities more sustainable and sustaining . We now know that nearby nature — including small plots or parcels imbedded within all land uses — directly contributes to quality human habitat and is profoundly important for the health of mind and body . Nature experiences promote good health and sustain wellness .
Note : More information about Dr . Wolf ’ s work can be found at naturewithin . info Kathleen Wolf , Ph . D ., is a Research Social Scientist with joint appointments at the University of Washington , College of the Environment , and the U . S . Forest Service , Pacific Northwest Research Station .
This excerpt is reprinted , with permission , from the April 2017 issue of Parks & Recreation magazine . Copyright 2017 by the National Recreation and Park Association .
Great Ways to Enjoy Your Parks !
Cast a line at Foley ’ s , Danny Cunniff or Larry Fink Park ponds for Bullheads , Catfish , Blue Gill , or Bass .
Little ones can enjoy fall outdoor playtime at 26 playgrounds .
Marvel at the vibrant orange , red , and yellow fall colors at Heller Nature Center , Sunset Woods Park and the lakefront parks .
Walk your dog on leash at all 44 parks ( not including Rosewood Beach ) or become a dog park member and enjoy your pooch off-leash at Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park ( yearround ), Moraine Beach ( approx . April – Nov ), and Highland Park Golf Learning Center ( approx . Dec – Mar )
Aim for the chains at Danny Cunniff and Larry Fink Park 9 hole disc golf courses .
Walkers , joggers and cyclists can enjoy 9 trails dispersed among several parks .
Picnic anyone ? Groups of less than 12 are welcome to picnic at any park . Larger groups can 12 or more wishing to use park grounds or picnic areas can rent a designated group picnic area in Danny Cunniff , and Sunset Woods Parks . Sunset Woods Park has three open-sided pavilions available for groups of up to 200 . Danny Cunniff Park has a pavilion for groups of 50 or less . Picnic permits are available from Apr 1-Oct 31 .
Skateboarders can enjoy the Sunset Wood Park skate park from dawn to dusk . No inline skaters , hover boards , or bikes allowed .
Fall 2017 • Park District of Highland Park 13