Mary Oliver was a Pulitzer Prize winning American poet who gathered most of her inspiration from nature. Much of her time was spent walking through forests, skirting along beaches, or sitting near streams and waterfalls. From those quiet, watchful moments, her life’s work was born. As we read her poetry, we get a glimpse of what she saw and felt. Much of her life was spent in either Maine or Florida, and most of the things she wrote about were within walking distance of her home.
Mary Oliver was really no different from the rest of us. She just took the time to articulate what it feels like to be in nature—to observe the intricacies of the living world and ponder in awe on its beauty. For her, the natural world was life itself.
Mary Oliver wasn’t known for her gardening and landscaping abilities, but her experiences with nature accentuate the importance of incorporating plants and animals in our daily life. Her poetry expresses beautifully why we need daily doses of nature.
We need a place to enjoy fresh air, take in the beauty of the world around us, and quietly internalize some meaning from the experience. We need to surround ourselves with green spaces not only because it feels good to our souls, but also because it’s good for our health.
Studies have shown that there are several benefits that come from being in nature. We’ll touch on just a few of them here:
Sunlight
Sunlight lifts our spirits. The lack of it can lead to seasonal depression. Sunlight is the raw material our bodies use to produce vitamin D and melanin. Vitamin D strengthens our immune system and helps us fight depression. Melanin helps to protect our skin from UV rays.
Sunlight also tells our brain to be alert in the morning. As it diminishes at night, it signals our pineal gland to create melatonin, which helps us sleep. Stepping outdoors regularly and consistently is critical to our well-being. Sunlight helps regulate our sleep cycles, boost our immune system, and brighten our mood.
Cardiac Benefits
It has been shown that consistent time outdoors, particularly in green spaces, tends to lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate. If we dig in the dirt, prune a shrub, pull some weeds, or go for a walk, we will improve our cardiac health even more through these simple movements. Plus, that movement helps to keep us limber and active into our later years.
Mental Clarity
Time spent outdoors, away from the distractions of technology and stresses of daily life, allows for greater mental clarity, improved focus and perspective, and reduced stress. Some studies have shown that time outdoors in green spaces can have an effect similar to the benefits derived from ADHD medication. In fact, evidence suggests that regular time spent in nature can lead to a longer, happier life.
When we talk about nature, we aren’t just talking about escaping to the woods or mountains. Your own backyard can be a sufficient source for all of these benefits. A well-landscaped yard allows us to enjoy the benefits of nature and provides us with a place to recreate, exercise, and socialize. All of these activities are essential for good health—physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you're ready to create the ideal outdoor escape to lift your spirits and improve your quality of life, visit with one of our designers today!
No matter what time of year it is, now is the perfect time to improve your life by creating something special in your outdoor space. Design a new planter bed (on paper if it's cold outside). Plant a few trees. Add a flowering shrub. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, and the long-term benefits will be wonderful!
