In a recent issue of the Winston-Salem Journal columnist
David Bare highlights a development near downtown Winston-Salem that will provide environmental
and psychological benefits. The Gateway
Nature Center
is a project to restore and preserve 19 acres of land that had been tarnished
by years of industrial activity and the encroachment of nonnative species of plants.
The Center will provide educational programs and facilities
for all ages. The Gateway Environmental Initiative, the organization
responsible for the Center, hopes to counteract one negative impact of our
growing dependence on technology: decreased interaction with the natural world.
Exposure to nature seems to be a balm for some of the irritations of
modern life. Nature sounds, and silence (remember silence?), stimulate effects that
counteract the negative impact of human-generated noise on attention and sleep.
Immersion in nature appears to reduce the symptoms of stress, depression and
ADHD.
One of the questions I typically ask new clients is about
the time they spend in nature. Our busy schedules and urban environment
sometimes make it difficult to get out in the backyard, let alone the back
woods. Still, research suggests that the effort is worth it.
Do yourself a favor and take a hike!
