The Great Outdoors
by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS
Things we take for granted:
~Feeling the warmth of the sun on our face on a spring day.
~The smell of the wet earth after a rainstorm in summer.
~The crispness to the air after a snowstorm.
Regardless of where you live, we interact with our outdoor environment daily. When stepping outside in the morning, it is not unusual to take a deep breath and smell the fresh air. We can watch the changing seasons in the trees and plants around us as well as the seasonal activity of squirrels or other wild animals in our area. This interaction with nature is a part of our life and we often don’t realize it’s significance until it is no longer part of our day-to-day existence. We have all experienced times where we have not left the house for a few days – due to illness or weather. We start to feel what they call “stir crazy” and we become out of sorts. This situation is all too real for persons living in long term care communities. Think of the many days they sit inside, without breathing in the fresh air of outdoors or interacting with nature.
This is where Eco therapy comes in. Eco therapy is a term created by Howard Clinebell in the 1990’s which refers to the healing power of interaction with the earth and nature. It has also been called “green therapy” and “earth centered therapy”. Clinebell defined specific ways to experience Eco therapy internally by being nurtured just by being in the presence of nature and externally by interacting in activities with others who care for the planet and our environmental space.
There are countless articles and research papers on the benefits of getting outdoors and being closer to nature. Some of the benefits include:
~Vitamin D levels can rise which is known to fight certain conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease and even Cancer.
~Reducing depression is noted because bodies of water and the earth are filled with negative ions which is a natural anti-depressant.
~Reduction of stress – studies have noted individuals sitting outdoors show a drop-in heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension.
~Improves quality of sleep because the natural sunlight regulates our body clock and normalizes hormonal functions.
~Nature sounds create a feeling of relaxation. It is a common intervention to play sounds of nature in sensory groups – hearing them in the actual outdoors has the same result.
Ensuring daily opportunities for nature infused experiences becomes a responsibility for the activity/life enrichment department. Many activities can be adjusted to ensure our elders do not become nature deprived. Here are some suggestions to maintain the nature/human connection in your community:
~Conduct an in-service on Eco therapy for all staff. Focus on being mindful of the importance of nature and how all staff can contribute to the body/nature connection. Opening a window on a beautiful spring day and encouraging the elder to breath deep is something any staff can do. Pointing out the outdoor landscape and the changing seasons can be integrated into morning care.
~Make the most of horticulture activities. Encourage elders to feel the earth and get their hands dirty while gardening. Discuss the benefits of interacting with nature while conducting the program.
~Take advantage of outdoor spaces. Many communities have courtyards, porches and inviting outdoor seating which are underutilized. Develop a plan with the management team on how to better utilize the space as it often involves a team effort to assist everyone outdoors.
~If it is difficult to get outside, take advantage of any large windows looking outdoors in your living spaces. Open the curtains/drapes and position everyone to look outdoors and generate discussion/reminiscence of what is seen – the trees, the birds, and the weather. One of the most memorable activities I conducted was during a snowstorm. We gathered everyone into the dining room and enjoyed hot cocoa while the snow whirled around us outdoors.
~Set up birdfeeders and bird baths in your outdoor areas. Attracting fauna to the area for daily viewing can create interest.
~Create virtual nature experiences. Make the most of the nature vidoes and sounds. Create a nature sensory basket with nature sounds, the smell of flowers, the earth and visuals of flowers, pinecones and other nature items. With access to the internet, one can find virtual walks in the woods on you tube. It might be fun to equip everyone with water and walking sticks and take a virtual walk together.
This is one approach which does not require additional equipment or supplies. Being mindful of nature opportunities and the importance of the human/nature connection is a simple mindset that can be adopted by anyone.
“The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson