The Center for Motivation and Change
Josh King, PsyD
Bathing in Nature with Florence Williams
Bathing in Nature with Florence Williams
Bathing in Nature with Florence Williams
Thursday 12th September 2019
Florence Williams explores the healing power of nature for mental health and addiction recovery on The Beyond Addiction Show.
56 minutes
Healing
Informative
Hopeful
Encouraging
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
The Center for Motivation and Change
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
85 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Nature's Healing Touch: Florence Williams on the Benefits of the Outdoors
When we immerse ourselves in nature, we're engaging all of our senses. It's not just about seeing it; it's about smelling it, hearing it, and feeling it. And that's what makes it so powerful.
Ever feel rejuvenated after a simple walk in the park? You're not alone. Science author Florence Williams joins Dr. Josh King on The Beyond Addiction Show to explore the remarkable healing power of nature. In her book, The Nature Fix, Williams dives into the science behind why spending time outdoors can drastically improve our mental health and overall well-being.
She explains how engaging all our senses in nature—seeing, smelling, hearing, and feeling—can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and even boost cognitive function. Williams shares practical tips on how to incorporate more nature into our daily lives, whether it's a stroll in a local park or simply sitting by a window with a view of greenery. She also touches on the concepts of forest therapy and water therapy, both proven to have significant mental health benefits.
For those in addiction recovery, connecting with nature can offer a sense of calm and purpose, aiding the healing process. But it's not just about mental health; nature can also enhance productivity. Williams discusses studies showing that natural light and views of nature can improve work performance and reduce workplace stress. Simple changes like taking your lunch break outside or adding a plant to your desk can make a big difference.
Williams emphasizes the importance of activating the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for our body's rest and digest response. In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, we're often stuck in a state of constant stress. By spending time in nature, we can shift our bodies into a more relaxed state, promoting both mental and physical healing. If you're skeptical about nature's benefits, Williams encourages you to start small. Just a few minutes outside each day can make a noticeable difference.
Tune into this episode of The Beyond Addiction Show to learn more about how nature can be a powerful tool for mental health, addiction treatment, and productivity.