Eversole Law Firm February 2019

AWalk in the Woods Is the Prescription 3 Ways Contact With Nature Improves Your Health

individuals diagnosed with depression. In one study from the University of Essex, participants with major depressive disorder reported an improvement in self-esteem and mood after spending time in nature. Exercising while in nature resulted in even more of a mood boost for participants. A Calming Effect Research also shows that spending time in nature reduces stress. In a study conducted by Chiba University in Japan, participants spent two nights in the forest. Researchers evaluated their levels of stress hormones during and after this period and compared it to their normal work days in the city. Across the board, participants’ stress levels were much lower during the days spent in the forest and for several days afterward. Today, we’re less connected to our natural environment than our ancestors were. Modern comforts and technology mean we don’t have to go outside to get our food. But nature is still accessible and you don’t have to go far to find it. In many of the studies, even minor exposure to the outdoors, like adding plants to your home or looking out a window during work, showed health benefits. This winter, find ways to bring a little more nature into your life each day. Your brain will thank you.

Our ancestors were deeply connected to their natural environment, mostly because their survival depended on it. With no Whole

Foods available, those who could best track a mammoth, find water, and forage for edible plants kept themselves alive and passed on their genes. Given our history as hunter-gatherers, it’s no wonder contact with nature provides us with several health benefits.

A Memory Boost In a University of Michigan study, a group of students were asked to take a memory test that involved repeating numbers back to researchers. Next, researchers separated the students into two groups. Group A took a walk around an arboretum and Group B walked along busy city streets. Afterward, they were asked to take the memory test again. Group A, the students who had walked in the arboretum, performed 20 percent better on the memory test. Group B didn’t show any marked improvement. Additional research has corroborated the memory-enhancing effects of nature. A Mood Boost Observing the benefits nature has for cognitive function, scientists wondered what effects it might have on

Employee Spotlight

Meeting Sharon Perry

For our February edition, we wanted to feature one of our newest team members, Sharon Perry. Sharon started working for our firm in November and has proven to be an excellent addition to our staff. Willing and eager to help where she can, our newest legal assistant has been helping Debbie Rogers with our paperwork. “I’ve only been here a short time, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” Sharon says. Before she started working for Eversole Law Firm, she was working at real estate firm. “I wanted to find work somewhere else, which is when Cherese called me.” Cherese Handy used to be the title abstractor at the firm where Sharon worked previously. She knew Sharon was passionate about her work and would be a perfect fit for our team. When Sharon is in the office, she works on estate planning documents, post closings, and file organization for Alysoun Eversole. Sharon hints that the best part about working at our firm is the atmosphere. “It’s really great being here; everyone is really friendly and willing to help out.” When she’s not in the office, Sharon enjoys yoga and kayaking or paddleboarding on the Beaufort rivers. “I try to get out every week, but sometimes I get really busy. It’s been pretty warm lately, so I’ve been trying to get out when I can.”

Our team is excited that Sharon has joined us and we look forward to working with her in the years to come.

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