The Science
Nature Rx: We Need Nature
We believe that safe access to green spaces and nature exposure are fundamental human needs that everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. As humans, we’ve spent thousands of years primarily in the outdoors and evolved with close proximity to nature, so our bodies and brains are especially attuned and responsive to nature cues.
Physical Wellbeing:
Green exercise helps blood pressure and heart rate, but improved cardiovascular fitness (HRV) shows most beneficial effects. [Bikomeye JC, et al. 2022]
Regular exposure to bright natural light can increase vitamin D levels (immune system) and decrease blood sugar (glucose) levels among diabetics. (F.E. Kuo, 2010) & improve sleep
Forest Bathing offers a beneficial effects including improved immune system and heart function [Bikomeye JC, et al. 2022]
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing:
Green exercise helps blood pressure and heart rate, but improved cardiovascular fitness (HRV) shows most beneficial effects. [Bikomeye JC, et al. 2022]
Regular exposure to bright natural light can increase vitamin D levels (immune system) and decrease blood sugar (glucose) levels among diabetics. (F.E. Kuo, 2010) & improve sleep
Forest Bathing offers a beneficial effects including improved immune system and heart function [Bikomeye JC, et al. 2022]
Community Wellbeing:
Time spent in places with natural landscaping canencourage social interactions and integrations (Kweah,Sullivan & Wiley, 1998)
Green exercise helps blood pressure and heart rate, but improved cardiovascular fitness (HRV) shows most beneficial effects. [Bikomeye JC, et al. 2022]
Regular exposure to bright natural light can increase vitamin D levels (immune system) and decrease blood sugar (glucose) levels among diabetics. (F.E. Kuo, 2010) & improve sleep
Forest Bathing offers a beneficial effects including improved immune system and heart function [Bikomeye JC, et al. 2022]
Improved Performance:
Time in Nature has a Restorative Effect on our Attention Span: Memory and attention spans also benefit from time in nature, with University of Michigan psychology researchers pointing to a 20% improvement after spending an hour interacting with nature—an improvement that was consistent across different seasons and temperatures (Berman et al., Psychological Science, 2008).
Research suggests that mental fatigue and concentration can be improved by time spent in or looking at nature. (Kaplan, 1989, 1995)
Attention Restoration Theory: Strayer is most interested in how nature affects higher order problem solving. His research builds on the attention restoration theory proposed by environmental psychologists Stephen and Rachel Kaplan at the University of Michigan. They argue that it’s the visual elements in natural environments—sunsets, streams, butterflies—that reduce stress and mental fatigue. Fascinating but not too demanding, such stimuli promote a gentle, soft focus that allows our brains to wander, rest, and recover from what Olmsted called the “nervous irritation” of city life. “Soft fascination … permits a more reflective mode,” wrote the Kaplans—and the benefit seems to carry over when we head back indoors
The Conservation Foundation’s Nature Rx initiative educates local communities and partners with health-focused community organizations, healthcare facilities, park districts, and forest preserves to connect people with nature and the outdoors to improve their health and wellbeing. Through workshops, media, engagement activities, and educational materials, we are educating people about nature wellness activities and the physical, mental, and community health benefits of getting out into nature and exploring the endless ways a connection to nature improves our quality of life.
Physical Wellbeing:
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased physical activity
- Improved sleep quality
- Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lower exposure to concentrated indoor air pollution
- Improved immune function
- Improved motor strength, balance, and coordination in childern
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing:
- Improved cognitive function
- Healthier brain activity
- Improved mental health
- Increased feelings of awe and hope
- Lessened depression symptoms
- Reduction of aggression and anxiety
- Reduction of ADHD symptoms in children
Community Wellbeing:
- Higher community cohesion
- Increased sense of community belonging
- Lower rates of violent crime
- Increased feeling of safety
Improved Performance:
- Increased attention spans and productivity
- Improved memory and cognition
- Reduced overstimulation