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Resource: Nature Therapy: Tending to Educators’ Well-being

Facilitated by Ellen Barnett (Trinity), Courtney Crim (Trinity), Laura Allen (Trinity), and Aaron Godlaski (Centre)

The COVID-19 pandemic and abrupt transition to online teaching and learning exacerbated existing stressors in the professoriate. This interactive workshop explored the benefits of time in nature and evidenced-based practices that support mental health and well-being that educators can incorporate in their professional and personal practice. Participants were invited to experience recovery potential for themselves through engagement in practices, e.g., breathing exercises and a brief virtually guided outdoor experience, a process which can also be accomplished indoors. Participants were also encouraged to share their own practices.

View the recording of the workshop below.

Supporting Resources:

Bibliography of Nature and Health ResearchDownload

Five Practice- The aroma of trees by David Haskell

What is Heartfulness?: By Stephen-Murphy Shigematsu

Listening to the Language of Birds by David G. Haskell

Selected Books and VideosDownload

Research Articles:

Buxton – Nature Sounds & HealthDownload
Forest volatile organic compounds and their effects on human health A state-of-the-art reviewDownload
Frumkin – Nature & Human HealthDownload
Gardening is beneficial for health A meta-analysisDownload
Physiological effects of nature therapy A review of the research in JapanDownload
Roslund – Children and NatureDownload
Rudd – Awe, Decision Making, & Well-BeingDownload
Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing) and nature therapy A state-of-the-art reviewDownload
Ulrich – Recovery & Window ViewsDownload

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