On a regular day, I usually take the A or C train to Jay Street and walk 10 minutes to The New York City College of Technology. However, my mind and body craved new things. Instead of a swarming train, surrounded by blue scaffoldings, people hustling to get to the Kings County Family Court, to class, and the smell of constant cigarettes. I wanted a change. I decided to take the 4 train and discover new things. I was looking for nature, quietness, a place that makes me happy and a place that makes me calm. I was looking for a detour through nature, which help uplift my mind and body that makes me feel good about myself. Therefore, I set out for new things.
I caught the 4 train on Eastern Parkway and got out at Borough Hall. As I exited the train the first thing I noticed, was the peak of the Manhattan Bridge in Dumbo. I could only remember my experience on the bridge as I smiled within. The sun shined down on the grey tiles, as the tiles shimmer reflected into my eyes. The beautiful trees with brown and yellow leaves creating a perfect fall day. The branches curved like an umbrella to shield the yellow shinning sun, the people below sat on the charcoal black bench enjoying the moment. My eyes then landed on the Henry Ward Beecher monument. He had on his fancy coat with his wavy hair as he stood erected. I began to feel better on my way to school. Looking around me, I noticed nature in its quiet beauty. I wanted to know if nature has such a big impact on anyone else besides me. I wanted to know why I felt more relaxed, calm, less stressed, able to function better, and create better ideas.
However, I stumbled upon an article entitled, “How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative,” by Jill Suttie. It explained how nature reduce stress which impacts our bodies. It states, “participants were assigned to walk through the forest or in an urban center while having their heart rate variability, heart rate, and blood pressure measured. Results showed that those that walked through the forest had lower heart rates, and higher heart rate variability…compared to those that walked in urban settings.” When this occurred, it caused stress levels to decrease. Although the mind and body were active it was still calm, because different parts of the brain were relaxed which did not require its muscle activity.
With less stress it causes better and positive moods. In the article, “How does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing,” by the University of Minnesota. The study shows that, “times in nature or scenes of nature are associated with positive mood, and psychological wellbeing…” In this case nature helps to balance and calm us which improve bad moods. This helps you to connect to people in a better way because you are taking time to relax, as the people around you do the same. Another, study proves that, “people who had trees and green space…has stronger feelings and unity with neighbors, being more concerned with helping support each other.” Nature also helps one to be more grounded and peaceful.
I also wondered why I felt less depressed. I felt refreshed, I felt good mentally, spiritually, physically. This boosted my energy levels, and I was more inspired to go to class compared to when I walked on Jay Street. Jill Suttie explained through experiments the reason why we felt less depressed in nature. She claims that, “waling in nature affects rumination- which has been associated with the onset of depression and anxiety.” The participants who were apart of the experiment were scanned before and after walks. It proved that, “those who walked through nature experienced less anxiety, rumination, and negative effects, as well as more positive emotions, comparison to urban walkers.” This proves that nature can reduce depression.
Therefore, we must preserve nature. Preserving nature is not only for human beings but for animals as well. Natural habitats are important because animals are a part of nature; hearing the brown, black and orange birds chirp before leaving for winter. Seeing the fluffy brown squirrels run back and forth playing and as some dig looking for food for winter. The colorful flowers attracting the yellow and black bees when it is warm outside. While the fresh and relaxing wind blow. This wonderful relaxing part of nature. According to the article, “Why Should We Take Care of Nature,” by Pawel Alva Nazaruk, states “nature is constantly changing…and humans are continuously adapting the planet to accommodate their needs through careless interaction with their surrounding environment.” This is true because as humans we litter which can affect our environment. We must stop water pollution, desertification, and deforestation. Or else we us humans will have to answer to The LORAX who speak for the trees. Replanting a plant that was chopped down is important.
However, in the articles I’ve presented proves why nature is important. It proves that nature reduces stress, depression, anxiety, sadness, bad moods. Therefore, environments all over the world should have Pedestrian Plazas to help soothe tough days. Nature can benefit our minds and bodies in so many great ways. So from now on I will be catching the 4 train on Eastern Parkway, getting out at Borough Hall, make a right onto Johnson Street, and a left on Jay Street to get to class on a daily basis.
Work Cited:
Suttie, Jill. “How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative.” Greater Good, 22016 Mar. 2016, greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative.
Larson, Jean. “How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing?” Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing, 12 December 2017, www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/environment/nature-and-us/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing.
Nazaruk, Pawel Alva. “Why Should We Take Care Of Nature?” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 6 Oct. 2016, www.huffingtonpost.com/pawel-alva-nazaruk/why-should-we-take-care-o_b_12170852.html.
