When you take a stroll outdoors, do you ever wonder why it makes you feel so good? Connecting with nature can actually improve your health and well-being.
This theory that contact with nature restores health is called ecotherapy. ScienceDaily reported that, according to the 2000 census, American office workers spend an average of 52 hours per week at their desks or workstations (May 19, 2008). Studies on job satisfaction have shown that workers who spend longer hours in office environments—often under artificial light in windowless offices—report reduced job satisfaction and increased stress levels. Employees with window views of nature, however, had less job stress and a better overall well-being.
Lawrence St. Leger, in the September 2003 Health Promotional International journal, cites many different studies showing that having a window with a view of nature improved the lives of office workers, prisoners in cells and hospital patients. Blood pressure, stress levels and cholesterol decreased, while outlook on life improved when spending time in nature.
Studies have also proven how effective being outside is for children. Dr. Stephen R. Kellert of Yale University devotes a chapter to the subject of "Nature and Childhood Development" in his book Building for Life: Designing and Understanding the Human-Nature Connection (2005). Dr. Kellert states, "Play in nature, particularly during the critical period of middle childhood, appears to be an especially important time for developing the capacities for creativity, problem-solving, and emotional and intellectual development" (p. 83).
When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in the midst of a beautiful garden. God created the colors, sounds and smells to promote calm, serenity and well-being.
Spending time in nature puts us in a state of awe of how great God is and in wonderment of how God created all of it! We simply cannot fathom it all. DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical. spent many hours in God's creation, reflecting on Him. In Psalm 40:5 he wrote, "Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done."
In God's creation, we meet Him in a new and powerful way. So turn off the TV, get off the couch, go outside during lunch break and take long walks that will draw you even closer to God. It is not only good for your spirit and your relationship with God, but it's also good for your physical and mental health. UN
