Stewardship, Health, and Well-Being
Stewardship, Health, and Well-Being
Hundreds of studies have documented the benefits of being able to see nature, and to take or walk or otherwise be in nature, on human health and well-being. These benefits may be physical, like reducing stress and recovery times in hospitals, cognitive like increasing concentration and the ability to do well on problem-solving tests, and social interactions as when trees in cities provide a place for people to gather, share stories, create social bonds and even reduce crime rates. A handful of studies have also documented the impact of actively stewarding nature on well-being, including enabling older adults to feel as if they are leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren and for the environment. Other stewardship outcomes include feelings of accomplishment or self-efficacy and of empowerment. Because civic ecology practices involve both being in nature and actively stewarding nature, we can expect significant health and well-being outcomes for civic ecology stewards.
Keywords: Nature contact, Nature and human health, Stewardship, Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), Nature and stress, Legacy, Self-efficacy, Empowerment, Ash trees, Emerald ash borer
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