Information Box Group
Mental Wellbeing
Spending time in nature can have a rejuvenating effect psychologically with studies consistently demonstrating nature’s role in reducing stress, boosting mood, raising energy and supporting relaxation.
Physical Health
The positive impacts of nature exposure on one’s well being goes beyond cognitive benefits; the physical health benefits are also vast demonstrating impacts on cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory and immune health outcomes.
Enhanced Learning
Nature experiences are thought to have a casual relationship with learning acting through pathways that increase attention, reduce stress, improve self-discipline, promote engagement and enhance physical fitness.
Podcasts
How the Great outdoors can improve your life
Hidden Brain by NPR
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Read the full transcript
The effects of Neighbourhood Greening on Mental Health
by Review of Systems
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Race and the Nature Gap
Excerpt from NPR’s Living on Earth, July 31 2020 episode available here.
Read the full transcript
Videos
Science of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) with Dr. Qing Li
TedTalk: Prescribing Nature for Health, Nooshin Razani
Webinar: Green Space, Health & Wellbeing; a synthesis of systematic reviews
The Nature Fix
Books
Forest Bathing Learn More
By Dr Qing Li
Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing
The Biophilia Effect Learn More
By Clemens G. Arvay
A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature
The Nature Fix Learn More
By Florence Williams
Why Nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative.
Websites and Organizations
EcoHealth Ontario (EHO) Learn More
A transdisciplinary collaboration working to support equitable access to greenspace. Find information about the importance of prioritizing access to nature.
EcoHealth Policy Toolkit
Achieving health and wellbeing through Greenspace in Ontario
Greenspace and EcoHealth_Policy Toolkit
A Conceptual Framework to Understand the Business Case for EcoHealth in Ontario Green_City_- Why Nature Matters to Health An Evidence Review
Leveraging the Benefis of Greenspace for Environmental and Public Health Benefits
Conservation Ontario Learn More
A not for profit organization representing 36 conservation authorities across Ontario. Find information about why preserving biodiversity if a public health initiative.
Children and Nature Network Learn More
An organization working to increase equitable access to nature so that children and nature places can thrive. Find resources outlining nature’s benefits and tools for getting outside.
CAPE Learn More
The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) shares research, articles and news segments where they explain associations between nature, greenspace and health.
Reports
Connecting Canadians with Nature
Parks Canada: An investment in the wellbeing of our citizens.
The Nature Playbook
Take action to connect a new generation of Canadians with nature. A tool-kit follow up to the 2014 report Connecting Canadians with Nature
Nature Deficit
Nature Deficit and Health in the Pediatric Population: a Critical Appraisal.
The Nature Gap
Confronting Racial and Economic Disparities in the Destruction and Protection of Nature in America
Articles
WHO: Biodiversity and Human Health Visit Article
A fact sheet summarizing the World Health Organization’s report Connecting Global Priorities touching on the nutritional and infectious disease implications of ecosystem stability.
CAMH: Nature and Mental Health Visit Article
The Center for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how nature can have a nurturing effect on your mental health.
Healthy By Nature Visit Articles
A collection of news, research and reasons to get outside. Learn about mental and physical health benefits and why some healthcare professionals are “prescribing” nature,
Social Distancing and Nature Visit Article
Dr. Melissa Lem and Robin Edger explain why Social distancing means we need to connect to nature more than ever — safely.