NATURE AND ITS POSITIVE EFFECTS ON WELLBENG
Would you like to increase wellbeing and productivity in your workplace?
Here are just 3 current theories to explain the documented and measured benefits of nature and its positive effect on wellbeing and productivity:
Biophilia: Humans are predisposed to be attracted to nature, given that we evolved in and with nature. It is only very recently, from an evolutionary perspective, that we have become disconnected from nature. Studies confirming this theory indicate that humans prefer nature scenes over built environments and that attraction to nature spans all cultures and all ages. Studies also indicate that time spent in nature predictably boosts wellbeing.
Attention Restoration: We have two kinds of attention; directed and involuntary. Directed attention requires focus and energy. This is a limited resource that gets depleted with use, leading to a negative emotional state. Involuntary attention is our default state and is restorative. Nature provides us with a rich environment of stimuli that effortlessly supports and engages our involuntary attention.
Stress Reduction: Exposure to a threat-free natural environment is stress reducing and therefore enhances a sense of wellbeing. Studies have supported the view that exposure to a natural environment is stress-reducing.
Being exposed to nature enhances our experience of wellbeing. This is partially due to a lack of noises, sights and other stimuli, present in our built and urban environment, that stimulate our autonomic nervous system to signal threat or danger.
It doesn’t take very long, it’s just a matter of stopping and tuning in.
Given that wellbeing relates directly to workplace productivity, this is highly relevant information for employers to know. Add this to the fact that by keeping a few bee friendly plants, and a little home for the bees to thrive in you are making a positive contribution to the environment, it’s win win!
Ideas…
Do you have a balcony/courtyard/outside area in which you could fit a couple of plants and a small insect/bee haven?
Create your own Bee + B insect hotel:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpau_m2OCaE
If you want to be even more creative on a grander scale as in the featured photograph then a beekeeping course is probably the way to go! Contact the British Beekeepers Association to find and Association near you https://www.bbka.org.uk/contact
Beekeeping supplies, beekeeping clothing and equipment can be viewed at www.bjsherriff.com Home of the ClearView™ veil and the Original LongLife Apiarist beesuit and Honey Rustler Jacket.
