Photo courtesy of Mount Hermon
Nature is a Necessity
While some public outdoor spaces have been closed to help mitigate the spread of COVID, researchers continue to uphold the value of going outside. Associate Professor and Director of UChicago’s Environmental Neuroscience Lab Marc Berman says, “Our research has found that nature is not an amenity—it’s a necessity. We need to take it seriously.” He and his team researched how interactions with nature can impact cognitive performance and contribute to an improved overall sense of wellbeing. This research is a reminder to seek the benefits of being outdoors and prioritize time in nature. In the words of John Muir, “In every walk in nature, one receives far more than he seeks.“