Exploring Benefits of Nature and Community

Individual actions we take, and the choices we make have an impact on the environment. Collectively, our daily behaviors can contribute to improving the quality of life for all living things—in the Puget Sound region, our community and in our own backyards! That’s why aligning our goals and our behaviors is a core value for Friends of Miller Bay. In this issue we explore the benefits and power of nature and the importance of “community” for our health!

In 2023, the Surgeon General declared the US was in an epidemic of loneliness and isolation—even before the Covid-19 pandemic, half of adults reported experiencing loneliness. Levels of community involvement and trust in fellow citizens had dropped. These levels of loneliness increase risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, anxiety and depression. Overwhelmingly, friendship and group activities are touted as the solution to this crisis, including volunteering and attending public forums! Heather Eliassen, author and professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health, cites several health benefits of being outside in nature: better sleep, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic disease, increased exercise, and better mental health. Several studies support that going outside and experiencing nature can make you:

• Healthier- improving circulation, lowering cholesterol and blood glucose. Walking in nature reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system.

• Happier- walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation. Frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression. Physical activity in a green space can reduce stress and lowers cortisol levels by 15%.

• Smarter- just 20 minutes in nature improves concentration. Walking through nature also improves cognitive function and memory.

Engaging in outdoor activities-whether you are hiking with friends, joining a work party or attending a bird-watching activity- spending time in nature with others strengthens bonds and human connection.

Reduced Environmental Impact is yet another benefit of spending time in nature-Appreciating and connecting with nature can increase awareness of environmental issues and motivate individuals to make sustainable choices! If you believe all of these experts—then you might also agree that VOLUNTEERING for FOMB—through engagement, physical activity and social interaction— all within nature, actually promotes a sense of community and can contribute to better health and well-being! Come join us!

If you’re interested in learning more, references for this article came from: US Surgeon General’s office, Harvard School of Public Health, Pop Sugar magazine, National Parks Service, Virtues of Solitude to cure loneliness epidemic , Commonweal magazine.