Imagine a city bustling with noise. Now picture a peaceful park in the same city. This oasis of calm provides a breather from urban chaos. Green spaces are not just patches of land. They’re sanctuaries that help city dwellers find solace and a bit of inner peace. Many studies point to the mental health perks of being surrounded by nature. So, what’s so special about these leafy retreats?
Nature Therapy is a beautifully illustrated book, to help you reconnect with the natural world. Whether you wish to find your sense of connection near windswept cliffs or in the solace of a forest (or even the comfort of tending your own garden), this book shows how to refresh your mood with nature.
Use no-dig gardening and fruit protection bags (over netting) to help wildlife. Learn how to create gardens safe for pets (use humane slug/snail deterrents). Avoid facing indoor foliage to outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
Dive in to discover activities from gardening and crafts to walking and wild swimming. There is also advice on how to incorporate the outdoors more, in everyday life. And a holistic approach to life overall. From taking a botanical bath to making jam from foraged berries, this book can help you feel better and spark more meaning in life – all by unlocking the transformative power of nature.
Rémy Dambron is a poet who cherishes the natural wonders of the Great Pacific Northwest, where he documents life through writing and photography. He and his wife regularly walk in forests, alongside rivers and enchanting waterfalls and roam across majestic beaches (watching whales), to recharge their batteries and centre their energy for the week ahead.
Nature’s Role in Healing
Plants and herbs have been utilised for centuries as natural remedies. Many offer potent medicinal properties that can support genetic health. For instance, turmeric is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory qualities. Regular use of these natural ingredients can enhance overall wellbeing and reduce symptoms associated with various genetic disorders. Always consult with your doctor, before taking any herbal or other medicines.
Spending time in nature fosters mindfulness, encourages relaxation, and connects individuals with their environments. Natural settings offer a respite from the daily grind, allowing for clearer thinking and a more positive outlook. Studies have shown that nature therapy can lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, making it a valuable tool for coping with genetic conditions.
Consider transforming your personal space into a sanctuary for healing. Adding plants can purify the air and improve mood. Natural light is another essential element—allow sunlight to flood your space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Incorporating nature-based therapies into your routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small: take daily walks in green spaces, practise mindfulness in natural settings, or engage in gardening. Even simple moments spent outdoors (like sipping tea on the porch) can enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing.
How Nature Can Help Genetic Illness
Using nature as a means to heal has garnered attention in recent years, especially for those grappling with genetic conditions. This approach offers a refreshing perspective in today’s health discussions, providing hope and alternative methods to those facing genetic challenges.
Some Of Us Just Fall is a unique book by a gifted writer, on how people with genetic illness can use nature to feel better. This book traces a remarkable journey through illness – from misdiagnosis to wild swimming in the Lake District. Polly examines her genetic inheritance, her place in the natural world future in her body. After not getting results from doctors or her own body, she finally found some relief in nature.
The Lake District is famous for its rain. The wettest inhabited valley in England lies only 10 miles over the fells from my home. This summer, while most of England dessicated under drought conditions, we dissolved in rain. This is weather pushed to the extremes of itself.
It’s a book more on living with and accepting certain illnesses. After years of unexplained health issues, the author’s understanding of her body had become disjointed, until she began to piece the history (fractures, dislocations, exhaustion and medical disregard) when finally diagnosed with two chronic conditions in her 30s.
A stunning book about chronic illness that will stay with you. It’s a rallying cry for society to stand up for those too exhausted from struggling to be believed, by the medical establishment. Catherine Renton
Defiant and dazzling! I was submerged in Atkin’s life and its characters: the grey wagtail, her partner waiting in the shade of a tree, the nurses, the heron by the river. By sharing her relationship with water, she has changed mine. Her prose is a beautiful gift. Freya Bromley
Polly Atkin is an award-winning writer and poet who lives in the Cumbrian town where Wordsworth lived (she wrote a biography on his sister’s later life and illness). She co-founded the Open Mountain Initiative, which seeks to centre voices on the margins for outdoor, mountain and nature writing.
Understanding Genetic Conditions
Genetic conditions arise from anomalies in our DNA, affecting how our bodies function. These disorders can be inherited from one or both parents, or they can occur spontaneously. Living with a genetic disorder can be a complex journey—individuals may face physical limitations, increased health risks, and emotional burdens.
Genetic disorders can be broadly categorised into three main types:
- Single-gene disorders: These occur due to mutations in a single gene. Examples include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia.
- Chromosomal disorders: These are caused by structural changes in chromosomes. Down syndrome is a well-known example.
- Multifactorial disorders: These result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Conditions like heart disease and diabetes often fall into this category.
Living with a genetic condition can take a toll not just on physical health but also on emotional wellbeing. Many individuals feel isolated or misunderstood, impacting their quality of life. They might experience anxiety about their health, and the stress can amplify physical symptoms. Understanding this emotional landscape is crucial for developing supportive environments and treatment plans.