Spending just 120 minutes in nature each week can lead to significant improvements in mental and physical health. Nature provides calming environments that are particularly beneficial for autistic individuals, aiding in emotional regulation and social interaction. Even brief outdoor experiences, such as a 15-minute walk, can help individuals feel more connected and better equipped for learning. The evidence underscoring the positive effects of nature on well-being is supported by research, showing that accessible green spaces are essential, as they do not need to be expansive or remote to promote restorative benefits.
We've seen this firsthand. At a small program we run, daily routines often include time in nature. Sometimes a brisk walk in the woods, sometimes just sitting outside for some morning sunlight. The shift in our students is visible. They return from even a 15-minute walk more regulated, more connected, and better prepared to learn.
Nature has an undeniable effect on our well-being. And while poets and philosophers have written about it for centuries, today's researchers are offering powerful evidence for it.
Time spent outdoors, even in small doses, improves mental health, boosts immune function, sharpens focus, lowers stress hormones, and enhances overall life satisfaction.
For the autism community, a group that often reports higher levels of stress, sensory overload, social exclusion, and reduced well-being, the need for nature may be even more urgent.
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