Guest Column: Nature for Beating the Wintertime Blues!

Written by Richard Stoll

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) -- Nature has been proven, time and time again, to reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and anger, as well as generally boost psychological well-being.

Being in nature can help clear your head and help you de-stress and relax, help to make you feel happier and more content as a person, which can improve many areas of your life.

Why do people find peace in nature? Being in natural surroundings seems to reduce stress. Studies show that simply getting outdoors can reduce a person's heart rate. Being in green spaces can boost the immune system, improving your ability to fight off infection.

Spending time in nature can be awe inspiring. The feeling that the world is so much bigger than you can comprehend leads to “expansive thinking” which allows us to consider different perspectives and can lead to innovative ideas.

Playing in nature helps a child’s development by improving physical health, enhancing social-emotional development and increases their motor skills. Nature helps a child to be confident and also can make them feel happy.

Most people have a desire to be near nature. We have an innate need to affiliate with plants and animals. You can still enjoy nature in the winter. Just slow down and engage your senses (look, listen, feel and smell) and you’ll notice the winter beauty all around you. Nature is a place for reflection and a place where you can slow down and process everything going on in your life.

Need to find a nature preserve? Visit OakHeritageConservancy.org/conserved-land to find an Oak Heritage Conservancy Preserve near you.

Richard Stoll is a Board member with Oak Heritage Conservancy. For more information about Oak Heritage, follow us on Facebook or visit: OakHeritageConservancy.org