The Top 5 Benefits of Nature

Gurgling streams, serene meadows and remote mountaintops are commonly used to evoke a sense of calm. Research shows that beyond just beautiful images, these environments can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and increase mood and self-esteem.

Last spring, Outside Magazine published an article titled, “Science's Newest Miracle Drug Is Free.” The article, written by Aaron Reuben, highlights a growing movement among doctors: Doing away with prescription medications and instead prescribing time in nature, a practice being called Park Rx. When kids have the opportunity to run, skip, jump and be outdoors, they often become more relaxed, let go of anxieties and feel more at ease—all of which benefit overall health.

Nature has long been sought as a means to boost cognitive functioning. Similar to reducing stress, time in the outdoors has been shown to rejuvenate and restore the mind. Green, natural environments can stimulate curiosity and engagement. 

This includes attention deficit disorder and its symptoms among children, which can be improved through time spent engaging in outdoor activity, according to Urban Greening Research conducted by the University of Washington’s College of the Environment.

If nature can reduce stress and anxiety and improve concentration, it’s expected that it can enhance a child’s ability to learn as well. Numerous studies have connected more recess time with improved test scores. In a recent Greater Good Magazine article published by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, Ming Kuo writes that there are a surprising number of ways that nature improves learning.

Citing several studies, she writes that outdoor learning environments and classrooms with views of trees or the outdoors improve academics. In one study, not only were standardized test scores higher among students more connected to nature, the study found that enthusiasm about class was stronger as well. In addition to improving test scores, nature has been shown to provide self-discipline and increased engagement among students.

The outdoors have been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as provide many therapeutic benefits, according to Harvard Men’s Health Watch of Harvard Health Publishing. At the most basic level, time to run through grass, play in the dirt and dig for worms is one of the simplest joys of childhood. At NatureBridge, we believe that opportunity to experience awe in the outdoors is foundational. 

In order to take care of something, one must first feel a connection. At NatureBridge, we believe creating new leaders and stewards begins when students discover their own interest and passion for the environment. 

Dr. Nicole Ardoin of Stanford University Graduate School of Education conducted a 2017 examination of more than 100 peer-reviewed studies analyzing the impacts of environmental education. The review found that 83% of the studies analyzed reported at least some level of positive findings in regard to environmental stewardship as a result of environmental education.