From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lowered stress levels, better mood, a reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. Connecting with nature is also associated with improved mental health, particularly lower levels of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that time in safe natural environments is an antidote for stress. It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety and improve mood.

How much time spent in nature does it take to make people say they feel healthy and have a strong sense of well-being? Precisely 120 minutes! A study found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces, either all at once or spaced over several visits, were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well-being. The effects were robust, cutting across different occupations, ethnic groups, people from rich and poor areas, and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

What are the active ingredients in a “dose” of nature? Your braincells! Research holds that paying attention in bustling cities, on the job, or in other stressful environments requires a good deal of effortful attention. In a natural environment, however, it was found that people paid attention more broadly and in a less effortful way, which leads to a far more relaxed body and mind.

The Glendale Library currently offers State Parks Passes, which cover the cost of parking to over 200 of California’s State Parks. (Other costs, such as camping reservations, are the responsibility of the patron.) These passes are a big step forward in allowing all Californians the opportunity to visit state parks.

The library recognizes that there are still barriers to access at state parks, particularly for English language learners. To help decrease these barriers, the library will soon be introducing nature-focused art programming, as well as kits that adults participating in literacy and ESL programs may take with them to local and state parks. The kits will include activity booklets on local flora and fauna, journal prompts, and translation devices to reduce language barriers while visiting parks. The programs will focus on getting people to engage mindfully with nature, and each program will have time for reflection, journaling, or art.

There are many acknowledged mental health benefits to participating in art activities and journaling. Our focus on making local and state parks more accessible and promoting the mental health benefits of journaling and making art in nature will assist in improving the health of Glendale residents. Both the State Parks Passes and the upcoming programming are made possible with the generous support of the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Here are four articles for further reading:

Mental Health Benefits of Nature, NAMI California, 2020

How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing?, University of Minnesota, Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing

Nurtured by nature, American Psychological Association, Monitor on Psychology, Kirsten Weir, April 1, 2020, Vol. 51, No. 3, page 50,

California State Library Parks Pass

For more information, including list of participating parks.

Here are today’s Wellness Wednesday Program book suggestions: