3 WAYS CONTACT WITH NATURE IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH AWalk in the Woods Is the Prescription
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 spring, find ways to bring a little more nature into your life each day. Your brain will thank you.
respect for Andrew’s approach to landscaping — and Andrew’s admiration of Ian’s take-charge attitude —made it a mutually beneficial reunion. As Ian says, “The rest is history.” Ian brought his experience in customer service and love of the outdoors to Trout Brook, and his role appeals to his adaptable nature. He enjoys the variety of tasks he gets to tackle at Trout Brook, from helping customers on the phone and in person to leading a crew in the field. “It’s a lot of communication,” he says. “It’s fun to call up customers. They’re who we’ve developed real relationships with.” Of the team at Trout Brook, Ian speaks to the importance of teamwork and working together to get the job done. “We get along well,” he says. Working for a small company means “the sky’s the limit,” Ian says, and he enjoys being part of the many projects he helps manage. He’s excited to be part of Trout Brook’s growth by delivering 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. function, scientists wondered what effects it might have on 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 MOOD BOOST Observing the benefits nature has for cognitive
It’s challenging to describe everything that Ian Fay does for Trout Brook Landscaping in one sentence. Suffice it to say that this double foreman, customer service expert, mediator, and HR advisor wears many hats. There’s not really a “typical day” in Ian’s world; he just jumps in to help wherever he’s needed. “On any given day, it can be field work, landscaping — anything. From taking leaves away and working with plants and garden beds to snow removal, or, depending on the season, calling up customers about snow removal or tree maintenance, I do a lot,” Ian says. He’s ready to tackle it all. As friend and boss Andrew says, “Ian is as close to the real thing as you can get. He’s a fit and fearless tree guy, equipment operator, and truck driver — or bucket truck operator when needed.” 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
Jumping In to Help Wherever He’s Needed IAN TACKLES IT ALL
consistently great service to our customers and consistently great support to our team. Thanks for everything you do for our customers and for our team, Ian!
Ian and Andrew actually went to school together, and after reconnecting through a friend, Ian’s
2 | (860) 888 8472
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter