Nature Nurtures

Have you ever felt calm and relaxed while walking through a forest or park, or sitting on a beach, or even just sitting in your back yard feeling the breeze and listening to the birds? Do you remember how care-free you felt climbing a tree as a kid or splashing around in the local lake or stream? 

There's a reason for that. 

Being in nature has been shown to help improve mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in adults. This is also true for kids. 

Research shows that spending time outside regularly helps kids perform better in school, pay attention and solve problems, be more creative, ease anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues like ADHD, boosts their mood, and helps them remember information more easily. 

Connecting with nature also helps kids and adults physically. Green space, like parks and forests, provide opportunities for exercise. Exposure to natural light also helps regulate your body's internal clock helping you and your kids sleep better. Fresh air can also help strengthen your immunity. 

The list about the benefits of engaging with nature goes on and on...and on...and on. 

Going for hikes or reading by the lake are some of my favorite things to do when I get stressed or sick. Whatever the issue, I start to feel better almost immediately. 

I have worked with children who have behavioral issues or trouble focusing. That may be the case, but every time I was with the child and we were outside, the parents, teachers, and myself noticed a change in those children. 

Prairie Rivers of Iowa is working to increase the number of educational programs and events we offer for families and children. This will not only help the environment, but will help everyone who participates by connecting them with nature. As we've seen, there are countless benefits associated with time outside.

Help us protect the environment, connect people with nature, and help people improve their mental and physical wellbeing. Any amount you can give helps tremendously!