I was talking with someone about this experiment today. Despite the science, they doubted that simple contact with nature is sufficient to alter moods, memory ability, morals or other things.
My response was this: In a world where humanity evolved from creatures of the outdoors, is it completely unbelievable to think that we react in positive ways to being outside in the open air? After all, the sheltered, primarily indoor life that you see in modern cities is a relatively recent thing in evolutionary terms.
Look at my light box for SAD experiment. Simply reading in front of a bright light during winter was enough to seriously change my mood! In my mind, it’s entirely possible that contact with nature can have the benefits discussed in the first day of my health benefits of nature experiment.
To see how this experiment has been going so far, check out day 2 of the health benefits of nature experiment.
Health Benefits of Nature Day 3
This is the bush outside my house. I spent some time today grooming the garden around it today. There were no moments of magical clarity or perfection, but it was still an entirely pleasant experience!
[...] To see how it’s been going so far, check out yesterday in the health benefits of nature. [...]