By Shannin Prather
October 2023 | 2023 Fall Newsletter
With the summer temperatures having cooled, it is now more comfortable to be outside and is a good opportunity to spend more time in nature. For people of all ages, time spent outdoors has proven to have many health benefits.
According to the American Psychological Association, time spent surrounded by nature may also improve memory and attention. Even nature sounds, like birds chirping or rain falling, have been shown to improve focus and reasoning.
From enjoying flowers and trees on a stroll around the block to a day trip to the ocean, spending time in nature may improve mental and physical
well-being and has been linked to lowering stress and blood pressure, uplifting mood, and feeling more empathetic and cooperative.
For children with special needs, time in nature can aid physical, emotional, and social skill development, as well as thinking and reasoning skills, according to studies by the nonprofit organization Children & Nature Network. For older adults and adults with disabilities, studies have shown that time in nature can lower anxiety, stress, symptoms of depression, and negative thoughts while raising feelings of relaxation and creative problem solving.
When possible, try to go outside at least once per day. Some ideas include walking, gardening, sitting in a park, or simply spending time enjoying your own yard or outdoor space. To get deeper into nature, consider asking a loved one to join you for a day trip to our nearby forests, bay shores, or beaches.
If you struggle to get outside due to physical limitations or live in an area with little access to natural outdoor spaces, try bringing nature inside. Indoor plants, nature sounds from mobile phone apps, open windows for breezes and bird song, and even landscape pictures hung on a wall can have positive effects on emotions and peace of mind.
Learn more about Santa Clara County open spaces and parks by visiting parks.santaclaracounty.gov. To learn about accessible parks and discounted California State Park passes available for disabled individuals, seniors, and distinguished veterans, visit parks.ca.gov.
With the summer temperatures having cooled, it is now more comfortable to be outside and is a good opportunity to spend more time in nature. For people of all ages, time spent outdoors has proven to have many health benefits.
According to the American Psychological Association, time spent surrounded by nature may also improve memory and attention. Even nature sounds, like birds chirping or rain falling, have been shown to improve focus and reasoning.
From enjoying flowers and trees on a stroll around the block to a day trip to the ocean, spending time in nature may improve mental and physical well-being and has been linked to lowering stress and blood pressure, uplifting mood, and feeling more empathetic and cooperative.
For children with special needs, time in nature can aid physical, emotional, and social skill development, as well as thinking and reasoning skills, according to studies by the nonprofit organization Children & Nature Network. For older adults and adults with disabilities, studies have shown that time in nature can lower anxiety, stress, symptoms of depression, and negative thoughts while raising feelings of relaxation and creative problem solving.
When possible, try to go outside at least once per day. Some ideas include walking, gardening, sitting in a park, or simply spending time enjoying your own yard or outdoor space. To get deeper into nature, consider asking a loved one to join you for a day trip to our nearby forests, bay shores, or beaches.
If you struggle to get outside due to physical limitations or live in an area with little access to natural outdoor spaces, try bringing nature inside. Indoor plants, nature sounds from mobile phone apps, open windows for breezes and bird song, and even landscape pictures hung on a wall can have positive effects on emotions and peace of mind.
Learn more about Santa Clara County open spaces and parks by visiting parks.santaclaracounty.gov. To learn about accessible parks and discounted California State Park passes available for disabled individuals, seniors, and distinguished veterans, visit parks.ca.gov.