Being surrounded by nature has shown to be highly effective. Even watching nature videos can help decrease feelings of anger, tension, and fear. Nature does not only improve our emotional well-being, but it can also help us boost our physical traits. Spending time in nature can lower our blood pressure, release muscular tension, and generate less stress chemicals, according to research.
In this article, we’ll explore how nature can help students thrive, and why gardens and parks should multiply on college campuses.
How Does Nature Help Students Thrive?
Nature can assist students in becoming more focused, less worried, and more disciplined. It is particularly essential for an essay writer who should research a lot on different topics and gather materials. It could also help them become more interested in the subject at hand, thus promoting learning. In addition, spending time in nature can produce a quieter, more inclusive learning environment.
Better attention span. Nature energizes both adults and children who are intellectually exhausted. It can also help students concentrate better on what they’re studying and retain more information more easily.
Stress relief. Nature is surely a fantastic stress reliever. You don’t have to hike through the mountains for that, though. Students can get the benefits by simply walking through campus and enjoying the green.
Increased self-discipline is another side effect. Many students might be struggling with self-control, and this can easily interfere with schoolwork. Green spaces encourage them to be more self-disciplined and concentrate better on the content at hand. If you haven’t heard, self-discipline is closely related to academic success.
It motivates students to reach success. Academic greenspaces have been shown to enhance motivation in learners who are less motivated in the traditional classroom. Experts believe that these results are related to nature’s positive impact on mood, which can result in higher student engagement and lower absence. If, however, students need to skip class to study for upcoming exams, they can ask for writing help online; they can set up a meeting with a Studyclerk assignment coordinator and order cheap research paper according to their needs. This is the easiest option when they’re overwhelmed by endless papers and projects.
Nature improves fitness. Nature can also encourage students to be more active. This can help with weight management, obesity, and the risks that come with it. Greening school grounds, for example, can help prevent obesity in students.
Building healthier relationships with other students. Greener settings are more peaceful and help students develop closer bonds with their pals. They’ll become more open to conversations, communicative, and kind. Nature can therefore help students create meaningful relationships that stick.
A calmer setting for learning. Nature can often minimize disruptive or violent behaviors. This can promote a safer environment for students and help them co-exist peacefully together. Studying in nature has shown that improve cooperation between students and professors.
Increased autonomy. Of course, nature helps students become more creative and social when the time asks for it. That being said, freshmen will have an easier time accommodating to the new school conditions, for example. They’ll be less stressed and more willing to partake in various school activities. They’ll be going out “for the nature” and enjoy other activities as a result. This can help them become more sociable and caring towards their peers.
Why Should There Be More Green Spaces on College Campuses?
According to the WHO, everyone should have access to green spaces. That’s because of all the benefits we’ve explored above, and more. Green spaces appear to benefit students a whole lot. In fact, one recent study found that kids who attended schools with green spaces had significantly better cognitive performance than those who attended schools with less green spaces.
Another study discovered that early childhood years of exposure to green spaces is associated with fewer psychological problems in adulthood. “Green spaces are not a luxury; they’re a need; we must have them,” argues a cognitive psychologist from Chicago. “We need them in our surroundings, just like we need good water or breathable air. It helps us operate well and develop harmoniously.”
Euronews recently published a study conducted by Hasselt University. Over 600 youngsters between the ages of 10 and 15 from various places and backgrounds were studied; it was discovered that there is a strong correlation between IQ and access to nature. Children living in green neighborhoods had an IQ of 2.6 points higher, on average, than for those kids who grew up in non-green neighborhoods.
The exact explanation of the relationship between these two variables is still unknown, but the research team hypothesizes that kids who live in greener environments are less stressed, are less exposed to pollution, and have more possibilities for peer interaction. According to the report, green spaces provide positive consequences such as limiting exposure to pollutants, noise, and temperature. In addition, they promote wellness activities and social cohesiveness, which can be highly beneficial for students.
Wrapping Up
All that being said, there is an increased need for green spaces on college campuses. Being surrounded by nature helps student focus better, develops cognition more efficiently, and improves overall executive function.
—
Michael Stoddard is a freelance writer and environmental activist. He works for an NGO and volunteers at a local animal shelter. In his free time, Michael studies marketing and engages with businesses across the world.