Short Wave Good Things Come In Trees
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Jun 21, 2022 Ming Kuo, an environmental psychologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, shares her research on how nature affects our health. Discover why spending time under trees can reduce disease and increase happiness. She emphasizes the importance of urban greenery and its surprising benefits, like lower COVID-19 rates and enhanced immune function. The conversation is lively and relatable, touching on the challenges of keeping houseplants alive while highlighting how nature truly nurtures our well-being.
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Mental Canopy Flight
- Ming Kuo enjoys mentally "flying through the canopy" on her tree-lined walk to campus.
- This mindful practice reflects the scientifically proven refreshing effects of trees.
Nature's Health Benefits
- Living near green spaces correlates with lower risks of various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders.
- Nature exposure has broad positive health impacts.
Biological Impact of Green Spaces
- Studies compare physiological responses after walks in green vs. non-green urban areas.
- These experiments reveal direct biological changes linked to nature exposure, proving a causal relationship.