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 Experience
the Many Benefits from Time in Nature
By Melinda Myers
[December 13, 2025]
Take a break
in nature from the stresses of everyday life and the hectic holiday
season. Research has found spending time in nature, conservatories,
botanic gardens and other green spaces can have a positive impact on
mental and physical health.
Work, school, and other aspects of daily life may have you suffering
from a bit of mental fatigue. Surrounding yourself with plants and
spending time in green spaces can serve as a distraction and help
reduce this fatigue. Being immersed in nature elevates your mood and
helps reduce the risk of developing and experiencing symptoms of
anxiety and depression.
Scientists also found a strong correlation between green space and
illnesses in a community. The more green space that’s available, the
lower the level of disease in a community. |
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Spending time in gardens and nature is also good
for the youngsters in our lives. It helps them develop social,
emotional and cognitive skills. “Green Time” can also reduce
symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children and can act
as an effective supplement to traditional medicinal and behavioral
treatments.
Finding access to nature can be challenging in some locations and at
certain times of the year when harsh weather tends to keep us
indoors. Parks, botanic gardens and conservatories help improve
access to nature.
Many botanical gardens and parks host year-round events encouraging
everyone to get outside, move and enjoy nature. You will find yoga
classes, walking groups, gardening classes and nature walks offered
at many of these public green spaces. Encourage youngsters in your
life to join you in nature and participate in youth-focused
activities.
Conservatories provide year-round access no matter the weather.
Collections of plants are housed under glass, providing
opportunities to immerse yourself in greenery.
The Mitchell Park Domes is a great example of
providing the public with green space. In its original charter
Milwaukee County stated: "Let us provide for the public the ultimate
in experiencing nature in the city. Plant life of many kinds must be
sustained throughout all seasons…”. The Conservatory continues
inspiring people through plants with its permanent collection of
over 1,800 plant species from around the globe. These are housed in
three domes, featuring desert, tropical and temperate zone plants.
Visitors not only can immerse themselves in greenery but can
experience the climate and vegetation of various locations around
the world. This along with the changing displays in the floral dome
encourages year-round visits.
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Take time now and all year to experience the benefits
of green space. Add a few indoor plants to your home. You will enjoy
the added greenery while elevating your mood. Walk in a nearby park
or botanic garden and if you are near a conservatory, make this a
routine part of your schedule.
Make it easy and affordable to visit botanic gardens and
conservatories in your community and around the country. Consider
becoming a member. You’ll help support their mission and are likely
to visit more often and take advantage of all they have to offer.
No matter where you live, becoming a member of the Milwaukee Domes
Alliance, provides free access to over 360 other botanical gardens
and conservatories across the country, including the Mitchell Park
Domes. It’s a great way to save money as you explore other gardens
and conservatories across the country.
Take a break today and enjoy the many benefits that connecting with
nature provides. Once refreshed you will be better able to tackle
the daily demands and handle the stresses of everyday life.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books,
including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small
Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything”
instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s
Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned
by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com]
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