The Power of Nature with Jill Suttie
Being in nature can reduce stress, increase positive emotion, restore attention, and lead to more kindness and creativity.
On today’s show we welcome Jill Suttie, PsyD who enlightens us on how nature is such an important resource for wellbeing, both for adults and kids. Research supports the idea that being in nature can reduce stress, increase positive emotion, restore attention, and lead to more kindness and creativity. More recent research has been looking at how natural elements in the workplace have positive impacts on workers and how schools with green space have positive impacts on kids. In addition, we’ll touch on why kids need nature for their health and wellbeing, and how experiencing nature as a kid creates a connection that can last into adulthood. This kind of connection to nature is particularly important for cultivating a commitment to environmental protection–something we clearly need in the world.
BIO: Jill Suttie, PsyD, is freelance science journalist and a book review editor for Greater Good, a publication of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. She reports on the science of prosocial behavior–e.g. empathy, altruism, compassion, cooperation, and wisdom–as well as research on personal wellbeing and happiness for a diverse readership of researchers, educators, health professionals, parents, business leaders, and the interested public. Her work has appeared in Mindful.org, Yes! Magazine, Alternet, and the Huffington Post, among other publications. She is also a recording artist, with two CD’s of original songs in a roots rock tradition: Lucky Girl and Come and Find it. She lives with her husband, high school son, and Cavachon dog in Berkeley, California, where she is just a short walk away from the hiking trails of Tilden Park.
Where to find Jill online:
Jill’s writing on Greater Good’s website
Jill’s music on her website