While we don't always need science to confirm what we've discovered ourselves, the validation is nice to have! It's also a good reminder to make sure to get yourself and your family outdoors on a regular basis - summer is coming up, we'll have plenty of opportunities at Staunton State Park for you to not just hike, bike, fish, or ride, but educational classes and guided tours as well!

While he and other scientists may believe nature benefits our well-being, we live in a society where people spend more and more time indoors and online—especially children. Findings on how nature improves our brains brings added legitimacy to the call for preserving natural spaces—both urban and wild—and for spending more time in nature in order to lead healthier, happier, and more creative lives.

Here are some of the ways that science is showing how being in nature affects our brains and bodies.

1. Being in nature decreases stress

2. Nature makes you happier and less brooding

3. Nature relieves attention fatigue and increases creativity.

4. Nature may help you to be kind and generous

5. Nature makes you “feel more alive”

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative