Between work and children's activities, time in nature can be hard to come by. For urban and suburban parents, nature can feel inaccessible. For parents and families that aren't "outdoorsy," getting in nature can feel daunting. However, there are many benefits of nature that might motivate us all to squeeze in some time in the great outdoors!

 

Research demonstrates that time in nature increases positive emotions; reduces stress, anger, and fear; decreases blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension; and improves attention and enjoyment in learning. Whether you are the most outdoorsy or a complete novice when it comes to getting outdoors tune in to this week's episode for tips for incorporating nature into your home, passions, travel, and even volunteering experiences. Listen as writer, nature psychology enthusiast and Happy Science Mom Blogger, Sandi Schwartz, discusses what she has learned as a mom and scientist about simple ways to enjoy the many benefits of nature.

 

 

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF NATURE (MORE)?

 

What are you currently doing to integrate nature into your family's life? What have you noticed when you are in nature? Are there things that get in the way of spending time in nature? What might you do to bridge those barriers? What idea(s) from this show will you try with your children?

 

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NATURE BENEFITS AND SOME OF THE THINGS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE?

 

❉ FINDING NATURE. Check out this website from Children & Nature Network for resources, events, and stories & insights to help you connect with nature.

 

❉ 10 NATURE ACTIVITIES TO HELP GET YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. Read this guest blog post by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, The Nature Principle, and Vitamin N.

 

❉ GIVING YOUR CHILDREN THE BENEFITS OF NATURE EXPERIENCE: A CONVERSATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S LAB SCHOOL. Listen as University of Minnesota Lab school director Sheila Williams Ridge joins Marti & Erin to talk about why nature experience is so important, both at school and at home. She offers simple ways we can connect our children with nature, wherever we live and whatever our resources.