Since I started my Animal Assisted Therapy program in September, I have been writing a lot about the healing power of nature. I have been reading numerous studies about how being in nature with animals is a powerful combination for our mental health. This past week, I came across an interesting study that touches on the benefits of nature for our physical health too. I always thought that physical health should also include our mental health (as our brains are connected to our bodies!) None the less, this is all really interesting stuff to me as I begin to make plans for the therapeutic portion of our farm.
How long does it take to get a dose of nature high enough to make people say they feel healthy and have a strong sense of well-being? Amazingly, the study suggests just 120 minutes per week!
In a study of 20,000 people, it was found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces – local parks or other natural environments, either all at once or spread out over a couple weeks – were more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who don’t. The study showed that there were no benefits for people who didn’t meet the threshold. This cut across different occupations, ethnic groups, people from rich and poor areas and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The study is only the latest in a rapidly expanding area of research that finds nature so beneficial to our overall health – both physical and mental! Now, policymakers, employers, and health care providers are increasingly considering the need for nature in how they plan and operate.
Did you know that spending time with animals reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and lowers blood pressure? So find a way to get outside. Soak up some sun, breathe in some fresh air, walk your dog (or your neighbor’s) or come visit us at the farm!
Join us on the farm where we continue to uphold the highest animal welfare standards and are working to heal our land through regenerative grazing practices. Check out our calendar of events and purchase tickets for educational farm classes, therapeutic goat hikes and goat snuggle sessions throughout the season. Goat hikes officially kick off on March 23. In addition, our farm friends Becky, Donna, and Charlotte will be joining us for our first farmer’s market of the season on June 1 from 11AM-3PM. Join Becky from Midnight Sun Farm, Donna from Grazy Acres, and Charlotte from Soulful Blooms as we kick off the growing season and summer. Looking to book a school or corporate group? Please email Gretta at [email protected].