Embracing Fall: Staying Healthy and Connected to Nature
Raise your hand if you're excited about fall! From cozy sweaters and apple cider to colorful leaves and apple pie, there's so much to love about this season. However, the changing weather also brings concerns about colds and other health issues. But don't worry – we don't have to be victims. Here are several ways to stay as healthy as possible this fall.
A quick Google search reveals several common recommendations for staying healthy during the cold and flu season. These include getting vaccinated, washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when you're unwell. Regular cleaning of surfaces, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are all crucial. Finally, don't forget to manage your stress effectively, as high stress levels can impact your immune system.
The CDC's website for Preventive Actions to Help Protect Against Flu offers another crucial suggestion: Take steps for cleaner air. They state, "You can improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. Cleaner air can reduce the risk of exposure to viruses."
This recommendation aligns perfectly with insights from Brown's Nature and Health Workshop, which brought together experts to explore the relationship between nature and human health. Here are some key takeaways:
- Increased exposure to natural elements can strengthen your immune system.
- Indoor potted plants can improve indoor air quality and provide effective stress relief.
- The City of Providence parks department offers accessible, safe, and family-friendly spaces and programs throughout the city.
- Nature Rx at Brown is part of a nationwide initiative among colleges to promote spending time in nature, encouraging both the Brown and Providence communities to connect with the outdoors.
As you consider ways to combat cold and flu season this year, think about spending more time outdoors:
- Take regular outdoor walking breaks
- Explore a new park in your area
- Bring nature indoors with plants
If you're interested in tracking your time spent in nature, try the Nature Dose app. This free personalized nature prescription tracker monitors your time inside, outside, and exposed to nature. Learn more at naturequant.com.
Remember, as Gary Snyder said, "Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." So, let's make the most of our natural surroundings this fall and stay healthy together!
Forest Bathing: How Nature and Being Outdoors Can Improve Your Health
The neighbor calls the Siberian Elm
a “weed” tree, demands we hack
it down, says the leaves overwhelm
his property, the square backyard.
He’s collar-and-tie. A weed tree?
Branches screen buildings, subway tracks,
his patch of yard. We disagree,
claim back the sap, heartwood, wild bark.
He declares the tree “hazardous.”
We shelter under leaf-hoard, crossway
for squirrels, branch house for sparrows, jays.
The balcony soaks up the shade.
Chatter-song drowns out cars below.
Sun branches down. Leaves overwhelm.
The tree will stay. We tell him “no.”
Root deep through pavement, Elm.
"The Tree Agreement" by Elise Paschen