Tracie Thoms - Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

professor of recreation, leisure services
and wellness at Ferris State University,
says eco-psychology blends
environmental philosophy, ecology
and psychology into a discipline that
studies how the health of the planet
impacts human health. “It is believed
that the mind can be comforted and
healed through time in natural environments,”
she writes.
Research appears to support this
theory. A 2003 study in the journal
Psychology of Sport and Exercise found
that running in a park resulted in a
greater reduction in anxiety and depression
than running through an urban
area. And a 2008 study in Psychological
Science shows the cognitive benefits of
interacting with the great outdoors.
Frances E. Kuo, Ph.D., a faculty
member at the University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign who researches
the effects of nature on human functioning,
says, “We think that spending
time in nature helps rest a part
of the brain that’s involved in mental
effort, giving it a chance to recuperate
and be ready to tackle effortful tasks
afterward.”
Also, exposure to the outdoors also
seems to affect the nervous system and
the brain actions responsible for our
changing moods, Kuo adds. Part of this
effect appears to come from the switch
between artificial and natural light.
Vindum says, “Studies have been
done on mood, where somebody goes
from a naturally lit environment to an
artificially lit environment and their
mood changes toward the negative.”
Binding a Community
Of course, nature offers societal benefits
as well. Green spaces and parks
become gathering places for communities,
where people get to know one
another and learn to look out for each
other. Add the fact that greenery helps
humans relax and renew, and it’s not
hard to see why a 2001 study by Kuo
and her colleagues showed that crime
decreases in urban areas with green
spaces.
On a more personal level, taking a
walk around the block can enhance
your social life. “We need the ability
to interact with others, and it’s key
to have that social time every day,”
Vindum says. “When I go for a walk
around my neighborhood, just a smile
for a neighbor goes a long way. Just
knowing and being familiar with our
surroundings helps us feel like part of
a community.”
Another thing Vindum has noticed
is exercise becoming more of a social
event. “People are not meeting up for
food and drinks so much anymore. It’s
‘Let’s meet at the trailhead or let’s meet
at the park,’ and that’s great quality
time spent together interacting.”
Connecting with Spirit
Finally, taking a walk in the park can
help you feel connected to the world as
a whole and feel part of something bigger
than your community.
Many scientists believe that humans
have a biological need to connect
with nature. In 1984, Pulitzer Prizewinning
scientist E.O. Wilson published
Biophilia, an exploration of the
basis of this attraction to the outdoors.
In her paper, Mitten says that Wilson’s
theory means that “people’s success in
their search for a coherent and fulfilling
existence depends on their relationship
to nature.”
Vindum adds, “Research suggests
that we have an affinity for nature
that’s hardwired into us. We need it, we
want it, if we don’t have it we become
unwell.”
So the next time you put on your
walking shoes, just walk on past the
treadmill. Don’t get in your car. Just
head out the door to the nature trail.
Or to the beach. Or down by the river.
Improving your health is as easy as a
walk in the park. ■
Getting Started
Vindum offers these tips for
taking a walk outside:
• Go for 10 minutes.
• Just walk. You don’t need to
have a plan.
• Take it easy on yourself.
When you’re ready to bump up
your outdoor stroll, try these
suggestions:
• Look for green spaces on
maps and walk there.
• Learn the trees, flowers, and
birds on your trail.
• Smell the pine boughs or
eucalyptus leaves.
• Incorporate textures. Walk on
cobblestones. Take off your
shoes for a stroll in the grass.
A walk outdoors provides
mental health benefits, as well.
summer 2010 www.ALZinfo.org 29