According to Mary Beth Dziedzic, “nature-deficit disorder” is real and has a host of wide-ranging effects on our physical and mental health, social and cognitive development as well as an environmental impact. 

“We aren’t part of nature, we are nature,” she said. Below are some of the rewards she noted that we receive when we are in nature:

1. Decreased stress hormones in the body 

2. Parasympathetic nervous system activation, which promotes relaxation in the body 

3. Improved attention and concentration

4. Strengthened immune system 

5. A heightened state of present-moment awareness, quieting the inner critic; and, nourishing the body home with emotions like wonder, awe, curiosity, hope- all natural antidotes to worry, sadness, depression, self-judgement and anxiety