The delicate, silvery strand caught a splinter of light, momentarily shimmering and glistening in the early summer sun. As the wind began to roil and swirl, the spider’s silk became untethered, taking flight upon the breeze. An almost invisible moment became apparent. A shared secret to keep.
What surely is no secret are the health benefits of green spaces, more specifically trees and woods/forests. Recent studies have found that exposure to trees and woods/forests reduces depression and the reliance on medication, while reducing stress and anxiety and improving cognitive functioning.
Further still, some doctors and therapists are recommending more outdoor time whereby patients immerse themselves in nature by taking a trip into the woods/forest. This type of therapy is known as tree or forest bathing.
Tree or forest bathing is the act by which you immerse yourself in nature, by slowly walking through the woods while engaging all your senses. This can lead to reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and anger while strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health, and overall wellbeing.
And you need not walk far or go far. Look to local parks, forest preserves or any green spaces. Engage your senses, don’t rush, appreciate the silence, and try different activities, like reading a book, having a picnic, meditating, or simply jotting down your thoughts.
Skip the sunbathing, and head out to the woods! After all, your health and wellbeing are of upmost importance! Reach out to Sweeney’s for additional tips or ideas on creating your own healthful, green spaces. We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!
Sweeney’s: A Plant Based Company
Plant of the Week
Speedwell, Veronica ‘Eveline’
Spikes of lavender-purple flowers bloom amongst dense clumps of dark green foliage early Summer – late Summer. Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 18-24″ tall and 8-12″ wide. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.
“Trees give peace to the souls of men.”
― Nora Waln
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney
Wonderful article, would love to see more like this.
Is the picture with the stream/fish in Alaska?
With more and more research coming out on the benefits of nature and green spaces for our mental/physical health as well as the benefits to our world, it mystifies me how there are places in our country that advocate the removal of lawns etc, and replace them with non-living materials. Or the cutting down of forests for solar farms. Utter insanity.
Thanks, Tom! And, great catch (no pun intended)! That pic was taken in Sitka, AK at the end of the salmon run. Nature has always played a big role in healing and health, but it seems as cities and suburbs grow, more and more people have less access to green spaces, forests, etc., and I certainly don’t understand the advocacy of cutting down forests to replace with wind or solar farms. Seems somewhat counterintuitive.
Counterintuitive?!
It’s complete and total insanity. I guess unless you own stock in a solar/wind farm…
Follow the money and you’ll find your answers.