Saying the last couple of years have been difficult feels like an understatement. We’ve been dealing not just with the Covid-19 pandemic, but also with the stress, supply chain uncertainties, price increases, and other challenges that go along with it.
In a time that’s been hectic and full of uncertainty, it’s easy to forget to take a moment for yourself. Rushing from one job to the next, stressing about an uncertain future, and personal challenges can keep us in a state of worry. We might lose sight of one of the benefits that comes with working in an industry that lets us spend so much time outdoors.
This holiday season, take some time to enjoy the tranquility of nature. Visit a park. Go for a walk. Take some time to enjoy your own backyard. Studies have found that spending at least two hours each week in nature has huge benefits for mental and physical health. And when you take care of your health, that’ll benefit your company as well.
Recognizing the Need for Green Spaces
According to the Yale School of the Environment article “Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health” by Jim Robbins, people who spend at least 120 minutes per week in green spaces enjoy better health than those who don’t. The study he’s reporting on found that this is true for people across occupations, income groups, and ethnicities. It’s also true for people who have chronic illnesses or disabilities, as well as healthy people.
The increasing recognition of how beneficial green spaces are has led to more and more cities adding or expanding parks. Not only does this help support physical, mental, and emotional health for the people who live in the cities, but it also opens up more jobs for those working in the green industry. Someone needs to maintain those spaces.
The Benefits of Being Outdoors
“Nurtured by Nature” written by Kirsten Weir and published by the American Psychological Association states that benefits of spending time in nature include “improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.” Nature boosts people’s happiness and improves overall health.
Studies show that people experience these benefits from urban nature as well as from things like hiking in the woods. It doesn’t have to take a special trip to benefit from being outside. Your backyard, a local park, or taking a walk around your neighborhood can all help you lower your stress levels.
Taking a Break and Taking Care of Your Company
The world is so hectic and busy right now that it’s easy to forget the little things like inspecting equipment before each use and doing routine maintenance on time. But the longer those “little things” slip by unnoticed, the more problems can show up. The last thing you want is for equipment to break down, possibly injuring someone and resulting in downtime for your business.
There’s value in taking time to do stuff right. And though it seems like taking a break might waste time you don’t have, the reality is that when you take good care of yourself it puts you in a better head-space for managing time. Productivity will go up and you’re more likely to remember to take time for equipment inspections and routine maintenance like cleaning equipment, changing oil, and sharpening mower blades.
As we close out this year, let’s take some time to appreciate the outdoor spaces that green industry professionals help create and maintain. Spend some time outside and soak up all the benefits that nature has to offer.
