Nature print by Mark Graf accents a patient lodge at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Michigan
The heading of this post is really no surprise to those that already enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and exploring. Most recently I experienced it being quite under the weather with a bad cold during my trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. And while the symptoms were annoyances at times, and the cold remedy drugs perhaps clouded my clearest thinking, there is no doubting I did better out hiking around than just lying in bed.
These realizations aren’t just anecdotes of those that already enjoy nature, many institutions are taking this into account in biophilic architectural designs and choice of interior artwork as factors in evidence-based design. These design choices have actual correlations to the well-being and mental attitudes of the occupants. Every few months I see articles were written that support this, such as this recent one by renowned biologist E.O. Wilson on why parks and nature are good for your brain. And so, some Doctors prescribe two doses of nature and call them in the morning.
Cooling and warmth in the elements of nature in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula after the 1st snowfall in Fall
And if you can’t bring the actual living matter indoors, nature-themed art is working as a 2nd best choice. Sadly many offices haven’t caught on to these discoveries, limited by budgets or their own corporate lack of vision and insight. With our growing interconnectedness through technology, we owe it to ourselves to not forget the biologic connections that got us there in the first place.
While I can’t say I’ll always just take a hike during those times I’m not feeling so well, it is nice to know there is medicine readily available should I call upon it.
I feel the same way you do when it comes to nature. Whenever I go outside, I can think more clearly. That’s why I like to have a lot of pictures of nature in my house. They add a calming feel to my home.
Good ol’ Vitamin N !
One must not forget – this “nature prescription,” is not only good for the heart and soul, but it is absolutely FREE! This image is postcard and calendar material!
Beautiful photo as always Mark. I like it in part because of its abstraction which is something I often admire about your work.
The topic of your article is also interesting to me. While I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors from beaches to mountains, rainforests to deserts, I’ve also considered myself an urban dweller preferring city over nature as the place to spend most of my time. However in the last 12-18 months I’ve noticed a shift in me which is slowly and surely tipping me the other way. No idea why or where that change is coming from but where I once used to think about downsizing to a place close to a city centre I am now thinking more about downsizing to somewhere akin to the middle-of-nowhere. The reality will probably end up being something in the middle of course but I find the mind-shift rather interesting.
I am however, a little wary about parks in cities being tooted as “real nature”. It’s certainly better than nothing and I’m all for more parks and greenery in urban areas but such parks don’t really give people a chance to disconnect fully from the city with all its noise and air pollution. Also, where I live, most parks have free Wi-Fi which to me kind of defeats the purpose. Go to a park around here and half the people have their eyes glued to a screen; not exactly the idea is it? Or maybe it is and I’m just old fashion.
What I like so much about the US is the number of State and National Parks, and that they are so accessible. Those kinds of parks are the ones that make a big difference to the human psyche, the ones that provide a proper sanctuary.
Thanks for this post with all the great links, Mark. I once gave a slide-show talk titled “Take Two Parks and Call Me in the Morning.” It was before these articles were written, or I would have quoted from them!
You are welcome Linda. Like I said, this is common medicine for some. 🙂 Glad to see it is being more widely perscribed.
Wow! What a beautiful print, Mark. It looks quite a bit like a painting. Quite lovely.
Thanks Paul. If I could paint, I probably couldn’t do it justice.
Yes, on the two dose. I’d add, repeat when necessary!
Probably hard to overdose as well!
I would definitely prescribe two doses of nature. Great that you were there to get this wonderful image of the first snowfall!
Seems like “heart smart” advice to me. 😉