Our surroundings affect us physically and mentally. Our health is directly impacted by our environment. For example, contaminated water can lead to intestinal diseases and infections, while poor air quality can trigger breathing struggles and even heart attacks. Pesticides used on lawns, gardens, or crops can cause long-term nerve and organ damage. Even our homes can expose us to harmful chemicals through cleaning supplies, nonstick cookware, mold, or poor ventilation.Environmental health helps prevent disease, lowers chronic illness, ensures clean water and air, and reduces child mortality.
Research clearly shows the connection between well-being and environment, but we do not need research to understand itsimportance; we can observe it ourselves. For instance, a walk in the mountains may make a person feel refreshed, while sitting atthe beach may bring a sense of calm. In the same way, a clean, organized room can feel peaceful, while a cluttered room can feel stressful or distracting.
When I am in nature, I often feel peaceful and content. One of my favorite places to go when I am stressed is my vegetable garden. There, I lose myself among raised beds of purple hull peas; bell and poblano peppers; rows of yellow-blooming okra;tomatoes ranging from Park’s Whopper to Sweet 100 cherry varieties; Contender bush and Blue Lake pole green beans;yellow crookneck squash and zucchini; and English and burplesscucumbers. Simple tasks such as pulling weeds, tying tomato vines, watering seedlings, or gathering vegetables help quiet my thoughts. Harvesting, pruning, and weeding all have a calming effect.
Another peaceful place for me is my front porch, where I can sit and look out over the river. I feel calm as I watch the water flow downstream, hear birds call, or notice sunlight moving across the trees. The birds—the bald eagles, robins, woodpeckers, crows, herons, hummingbirds, blue jays, bluebirds, and ducks—along with the fish, deer, groundhogs, and busy squirrels, stirsomething deep within me. These sights and sounds remind me that nature can bring peace, wonder, and a sense of connection.
In fact, being in nature lowers stress, reduces negative thinkingand rumination, restores focus, and enhances clarity. For example, a short walk outside after a difficult day can help slow racing thoughts, and sitting quietly under a tree can give the mind a break from constant noise and screens. Taking time to be in nature reduces stress hormones like cortisol and initiates the release of happy chemicals in the body, such as serotonin. It can also lower heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, we may feel less anxious and depressed while in nature. It gives the brain a break from screens, busy tasks, and daily pressure.
