Conservation Corner: Showing Nature Some Love

It’s no secret that the modern American spends less time outdoors than those of generations past, but I encourage you to grab your favorite hat and some sun repellant and get back out there!

Did you know that a mere 20 minutes of time spent outdoors has been shown to improve cognitive function? The next time you feel that 3 p.m. slump, head outside for a few minutes. You do not even have to be active. Sitting outside without any technological distractions (yes, that means leaving the cell phone inside!) has been proven to help you stay focused and better remember details. Similarly, when we are ill or injured, being in a room with a view of outdoor trees or plants has been shown to help patients recover more quickly and use less medication.

Showing nature some much-deserved love doesn’t mean you give up all your modern conveniences, nor do you have to have a green thumb or hug a tree. Although if you want to hug a tree, I promise not to judge. It simply means taking some time to appreciate nature’s impact and presence in your life, even the ways in which you may not be aware.