One Spoke
Connection = Health
One of the risks we as humans run in this time of social distance is isolation. In a recent American Psychological Association report (APA 2019), social isolation increases health risks even as much as smoking 15 cigarettes day, having an alcohol use disorder or being obese. The risks are not only physical but mental and can significantly decrease the health status of those who experience ‘loneliness’, the subjective experience of being alone.
I will be posting Connection Boosters with pictures, videos and resources for you to try out, experiment a bit and share with others. See what works for you!
Today’s Booster: Connection through Nature.
One of the leading proponents of being out in nature for health and connection is Richard Louv, a journalist and child advocate notes the staggering divide between children and the outdoors. His 2005 book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder” links some disturbing trends for our children: increased obesity, attention disorders and depression. He names this “nature deficit disorder”. I believe not just children but all of us are missing the gifts of the outdoors and in this time of potential dis-connect, we all can use a dose of health. More about Richard Louv and his work can be found at http://richardlouv.com/.
