Food For The Soul’s Wellness Tonic Issue #12: Spring 2021 Edition
Photo Credit: thesuccess/morguefile
Dear Friends, Fans and SoulMates,
Whether it’s noticing the blooms that come with the Spring, taking a walk in a beautiful park or hiking a trail (for those who are more adventurous), can you feel your mood shift?
Well, it’s more than a feeling; the impact of nature on state of mind has been studied and documented and you can read about it in anything from academic articles to Shondaland, the digital site of Shonda Rhimes, the genius behind Bridgerton, How to Get Away with Murder, Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, among other pop culture phenoms.
Spring 2021 | Wellness Tonic Ingredient Wellness through Nature
Matthew F. Miller, writing for shondaland, published an article on the healing powers of nature that is full of links and studies about the subject.
Have you heard about the wonderful Japanese tradition of Shinrin-yoku – a sort of trip to the forest or translated: forest-bathing? It has been linked to a reduction in anxiety, depression and anger, among other benefits.
Even those of us who dwell in cities, with little opportunity to visit forests or parks can benefit from visits to nature through the internet, and it actually can help us! And let’s not forget the sea. Even New Yorkers can take the subway to the beach!
Scents can also help us. Lemon, lavender, jasmine rosemary…YUM.
On a more academic note and particularly of help to our youth: many studies find an improvement in the cognitive development of kids who have access to greenspace near home or at schools. Research shows that high levels of childhood green space are associated with lower risk of developing any of a spectrum of adolescent into adult psychiatric disorders.
How much time with nature is enough to make a difference? “Anything from 20 to 30 minutes, three days a week, to regular three-day weekends in the woods is helpful,” says Dr. Strauss in Harvard Heath Publishing. “The point is to make your interactions a part of your normal lifestyle.”
And for us all, a look at nature from a poet’s perspective. “In the Clearing” by Patricia Hooper.
What are your favorite nature walks, in the country or the city? Do you commune with nature frequently? We’d love to hear from you! So, please get in touch at Food For The Soul.
Be brave and generous, my friends, and most of, be WELL!
Wholeheartedly, Your Food For The Soul Team
Wellness Tonic To-Go
Happy Spring Season With Blooming Flowers (Timelapse)
