This blog post was written by Dr. Sandra Wartski, Psy.D. Dr. Wartski is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina and a member of the North Carolina Psychological Association, one of our many great community partners.

In our busy lives filled with so many competing demands, it is sometimes difficult to slow down and take in something that benefits all of us: more Vitamin N (for nature). Dix Park offers numerous opportunities to soak in this vital vitamin source. The park's expansive acres with varied views, landscapes, and vegetation provide countless areas to explore. The park’s tagline, “A Park for Everyone, Built by Everyone,” invites all community members to enjoy its beautiful green spaces. 

Richard Louv coined the phrase “Vitamin N” in his landmark book Last Child in the Woods (where he also creatively references Nature Deficit Disorder and “Leave No Child Inside”) and in his more recent book, The Nature Principle. Louv actively promotes the concept of teaching today’s children about nature, especially in our current technologically-focused society overwhelmed by electronic devices.

The “nature movement” has grown exponentially, with many authors exploring the benefits of nature, including Florence Williams’ The Nature Fix, Amos Clifford’s Forest Bathing, and Eva Selhub and Alan Logan’s Your Brain on Nature. 

What Does the Science Say?

Numerous studies have shown the incredible physical and psychological benefits of spending more time in nature. Many great thinkers and inventors, such as Aristotle, Darwin, Beethoven, Einstein, and Roosevelt, have used nature for inspiration. Now, neuroscientists and social psychologists are also returning to nature.

Scientists have documented that individuals who spend more time in nature are happier, calmer, less anxious, learn better, have improved memories, pay better attention, get sick less often, have more social skills, and are kinder. Studies also consistently show many physiological benefits for those in natural environments, such as decreased sympathetic nervous system activity (heart rate, blood pressure, sweat glands) and reduced cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, while increasing performance on memory and creativity tests. 

The science behind the benefits of nature is awe-inspiring. Some positive effects of nature have even been replicated with simple interventions, like placing more greenery or nature photos in labs or offices. Other studies compare subjects' experiences before and after a walk in an urban street versus a walk in the woods. In some experiments, subjects are subjected to temporarily stressful events, like watching a video of a gruesome woodworking accident and then shown either a nature or urban video.

Those who viewed nature photos after the stressful video returned to baseline significantly faster than those who viewed non-nature videos. Hospital patients with "green" views have been found to have shorter postoperative stays, fewer painkillers, and slightly fewer complications compared to those with no view. Although this type of research is complex with many confounding factors, the initial findings are quite impressive. 

Neuroscience research suggests that spending time in nature affects several important brain centers. For instance, subjects tested after spending time in urban settings were found to have more blood flow to the amygdala (the brain's alarm system where fear and anxiety are processed). In contrast, subjects spending time in natural settings had more blood flow to the anterior cingulate and insula (brain areas associated with empathy and altruism).

Those spending time outside were found to have higher alpha waves (associated with increased serotonin and relaxation) and less blood flow to the lower prefrontal cortex (indicating decreased levels of depressive rumination). 

Why Is Time in Nature So Positive? 

Research into why nature has such a positive effect is somewhat controversial among scientists. Some argue that the relaxation effects of being outside are primarily due to increased body movement, which is more likely to occur outdoors. Others suggest that natural surroundings relax the body because humans evolved in these settings. Time in nature also tends to engage all of our senses, leading to hypotheses about how recalibrating our senses with natural input is key.

Some theories focus on visual stimuli, suggesting that fractal shapes in nature may trigger neurochemicals in our visual cortex that aid relaxation. Others emphasize the importance of outdoor smells, proposing that airborne chemicals may raise white blood cell counts, helping to fight infection. 

While we might not know exactly why nature can be both tranquilizing and re-energizing, the evidence supports that there are multiple benefits. 

Trade Some Screen Time for Green Time 

Regular infusions of Vitamin N could help anyone living in our fast-paced, plugged-in, social-comparison digital age, but those struggling with significant stress may benefit even more. Being in nature allows time and space for slowing down, mindfulness, and gaining a big-picture perspective.

Including time in nature as part of anyone’s wellness plan makes good sense and is backed by science, given the many improvements in mood, mindfulness, mental capacity, medical recovery, creativity, and overall functioning reported after contact with nature. 

Ask a Psychologist here at Dix Park!

Have you ever wanted to ask a panel of psychologists about how best to manage your emotional wellbeing? Join us on Thursday, July 11 at 6:00 pm for a panel discussion with three licensed psychologists (including Dr. Wartski!) on their favorite tips for managing mental health. Learn more at the link below.

This program is free to the public thanks to the generous support of Dix Park Conservancy donors. Do you enjoy all the complimentary activities at the park? Consider making a donation to help us continue offering a wide variety of programs for our community!