This summer Thom and I are extremely fortunate to spend several months living close to the beach. The house we rent was built in the 50’s and is quite small. But having the option to walk along the beach every single morning with our dog Kloe running free is worth the added splurge/expense. It occurred to me this morning as I nodded hello to other walkers that each of us looked happier just being outside. Feeling the waves lapping against our ankles and the moist sand below our feet while enjoying the cool breeze off the water made all seem right in the world. So it was no surprise when I learned that spending time in nature is actually the perfect cure for overcoming Nature Deficit Disorder or NDD. Yep! While not a formal medical term, the idea of NDD reminded me how each and every one of us needs time experiencing the joy of nature on a regular basis.
I think most of us know intuitively how beneficial spending time in natural and beautiful places is to our wellbeing—but I don’t think all of us take the time or make the effort to include it as a regular part of our lives. I can’t tell you how many people have told us that they “wish they could too” when we tell them we are going to be staying at the beach or renting in the mountains. I get that it takes freedom and disposable income, so that’s not possible for everyone. But many of the people who say that they wish they could do it are retired and have plenty of both. Of course, there are tradeoffs. We rightsized the rest of our lives, and don’t rent a new or expensive home or seek out higher priced locations. But if we can make the choice a priority, many others can do the same.
And like I said before, it is important. The term “Nature Deficit Disorder” was first coined by author Richard Louv in his 2005 book titled, Last Child in the Woods among others. While Louv doesn’t’ suggest that NDD should become an actual medical diagnosis, he primarily wants to use it to show the human cost that comes from alienation from the natural world.
Louv wrote the book after spending over ten years traveling around the U.S. reporting and visiting with children and their parents. During that time he discovered that in both urban and rural areas, children are spending less and less time outdoors and more and more time inside. Why? He believes that a leading cause of this comes from “stranger danger” which is a result of the media spreading the sensational news of uncommon crimes such as child abduction or molestation—causing parents to be extremely fearful and keep their kids inside. I’ve seen evidence of this in my own family, so I can attest to its truth.
But that’s not all that keeps kids and parents inside. As we all know, our growing addiction to electronics and technology plays a big part. A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2010 reported that young people spend seven hours and 38 minutes a day using media in a typical day—that was up over an hour from just a decade earlier. More current reports suggest that it is up to over nine hours a day in 2018. That’s not just indoors, that’s using or watching some form of media.
So, who has time to go outside? According to The National Human Activity Pattern Study (NHAPS) the average person today spends over 92% of their time indoors. That includes our homes, our cars, and certainly other locations—but 92% of most people’s days are inside four walls. For some, the only time they are outdoors is coming and going from work or school. No wonder we are so disconnected from nature! But at what cost? Just a few of the downsides are:
- Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air leading to all sorts of illnesses and disease. EPA
- Our general mood and mental health are affected—higher rates of depression.
- People, especially children, who spend the majority of their time indoors are more susceptible to asthma, allergies and breathing issues.
- Disconnection from our natural human (circadian) rhythm. No wonder so many people have difficulty sleeping and/or are chronically fatigued.
- Higher rates of obesity and issues with cholesterol and weight control.
- Increased Vitamin D Disorders
- Higher blood pressure
- Learning disorders
- Eye, nose and throat irritations.
- Increased risk of cancer.
But even if we agree that we all, especially children, need to spend more time outdoors, what will it take? In 2011 The Nature Conservancy did a survey asking children between the ages of 13 and 18 their attitudes about nature. What they discovered is:
- 80% said it was uncomfortable to be outside because of bugs and heat.
- 62% said they did not have transportation or a way to get to a place of nature.
- 61% said there were no natural areas near where they lived.
- 75% said that their school offered no access to nature.
- 90% said that being in nature and taking part in outdoor activities relieved their stress.
- 91% said that if a friend encouraged them to spend time outdoors they would listen.
It’s no surprise that children seemed most interested in spending time outdoors when friends are 
involved. The great environmentalist Rachel Carlson suggested back in 1962 that if we wanted to create positive connections to nature we need two things: special places and special people. What it comes down to is that parents and those close to children can either awaken the high value of nature in their children or put it to sleep (or rather lock it indoors!). It’s rather obvious which side is winning at this point.
The good news is that there are things we can do to overcome NDD, even if we can’t spend the entire day outside. The many benefits of spending around 30 minutes outside in a natural setting include:
- Walking in nature improves our memory.
- Lower levels of cortisol (stress markers) and heart rates.
- Reduced inflammation in the body.
- Higher levels of mental energy and clarity.
- Reduced anxiety, depression and other mental issues.
- Better vision
- Improved ability to focus and reduced ADHD.
- Enhanced creativity.
- It will stimulate your immune system and your body’s innate ability to fight off cancer.
- Your happiness level will increase.
The truth is our bodies and minds need to spend time outdoors connected to nature nearly as much as we need air and water. But just knowing about this information isn’t enough. Maybe it’s time to pull ourselves away from the distractions and consciously plan time to get outside. As Richard Louv says, “The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.” The SMART approach would be to grab someone special (your child, a spouse or a friend?) and go somewhere special today and experience the beauty of the natural world.
Okay, your turn. How do you feel about nature? Do you know anyone suffering from NDD that could use a healthy dose of natural beauty in their lives? Please share your thoughts on this in the comments below.
Once again, you’ve hit the nail on the head, Kathy!
Of course, living on a boat, we spend a LOT of time outside, on the water, and I have the sun-damaged skin to prove it! But what really struck me was how much time our daughter spent playing outside on our recent trip to Michigan. We spent most of the week staying at my father-in-law’s house, in a travel trailer. His yard is large, fenced in, and even has horses!
We had packed a backpack full of electronic gadgets and video games, thinking that Iliana would be bored visiting relatives with no kids. But the entire time we were at her grandpa’s house, she only used her games once or twice! And of course when we camped on the beach, she spent the entire rainy time playing in the sand with the other kids.
Hi Bethany! I’ll bet your lifestyle on the boat puts most of us to shame as far as the amount of time we each spend outside. what a wonderful thing for your daughter AND you and your husband. And yes, my skin also tells the tale of too much sun. But I’m getting more diligent about sunscreen (should have learned that years ago but better late than never!) And I still believe it is a small price to pay for the benefits of sun. Thanks for sharing your personal experiences with us Bethany! ~Kathy
What a great post, Kathy! I don’t even know where to begin . . . I’ve been passionate about the natural world since I was a kid chasing fireflies, riding the swings in the park and trying to catch salamanders in the pond. My husband and I spent our honeymoon tent camping across the country so that we could visit some of the iconic National Parks in the west. We took two more cross country National Parks trips with both of our kids and a third with just our daughter after our son began full time employment. Our family activities include hiking, biking, camping, boating and kayaking and, as young adults, both kids have continued to embrace outdoor activities which makes my heart happy.
The natural world is my cathedral and it provides the solitude that soothes my soul and the adventures that enrich my life to no end. What’s frightening is that the pull of technology is preventing so many people (young and old) from enjoying the benefits that being in nature offers. Kids today – between school, Netflix and their ever present smart phones – are not being exposed to the fun of being outdoors like prior generations were. Richard Louv’s book was, to me, a sad commentary on modern life. If we want our children to benefit from nature, then it’s up to us to introduce them to it and show them the countless adventures there for the taking. In fact, a round of applause to Yvette who posted a comment earlier. She is taking the time to share with her grandchild the pleasures and wonders of nature. I know this is true for Tamara and her husband over at My Retirement Project, too. I do so wish more adults would make that commitment. Our public lands are just that – ours to use and enjoy. Hopefully, the young people who come to love our wild places and open spaces will become the protectors of them, as well, providing good stewardship for future generations.
While many people don’t have the financial resources to travel extensively to the gorgeous, natural places throughout the country, almost all of us have state, county or city parks near our homes that can be enjoyed at little or no cost. It doesn’t take much effort (or money!) to pack a picnic supper and walk, bike or drive to a nearly park, soak up the scenery and toss a ball with your children or grandchildren. It doesn’t matter how far you go; what matters is how sharing the great outdoors with family and friends provides fun-filled experiences and happy memories that will last much longer than that smart phone in your hand.
Please forgive the long comment – you (obviously) struck a nerve! Nature provides us with many opportunities for exciting exploration, quiet contemplation and much needed breaks from the stresses of today’s society but we have to open our eyes, our minds and our hearts to these opportunities in order to benefit from them.
Hi Mary! Thank you so much for confirming how critical it is to be active and raise families in a way that encourages us to be close to nature. But I’m sure you agree that when a parent is hypnotized by technology (with their face stuck in a phone for most of the day–not to mention ipads or computers) then children see that as perfectly acceptable and grow up the same. I think the more of us that can keep putting that message out there for everyone to see and be reminded the better. Like so many things, it does take attention and intention to make it happen.
And even for those of us who don’t have kids or grandkids, I think it is equally important that we support open space, parks and natural resources with our money and our time. I strongly believe that we owe it to future generations to leave the world in the best way we can–contrary to much of what is happening right now. It’s not something we should leave to others to do so getting involved is very important. Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience and encouragement. ~Kathy
I too am a nature lover and I love to spend time outside every day. Our retirement home is situated in a semi-rural area on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, and it is surrounded by a network of trails. I walk the trails most days, except they are closed this month because of the risk of wild fires. We are also close to some small community parks right on the ocean. Several of these have good swimming beaches, which have been great in the hot weather. I also like to hike, camp, ski, cycle and garden. And this summer, one of my weekly yoga classes takes place outside in the garden!
My six year old grandson attends an eco-school. His school is across the street from a riparian park (a linear park along a salmon bearing stream), and two blocks from an ocean beach. Last year, his class went outside every day, rain or shine, as part of the instructional program. This was in addition to going outside for lunch and recess. I think it is a great concept.
Jude
P.s. Kathy, sorry for the slow response. Finger crossed that this comment goes through!
Hi Jude! It sounds like you too are well aware of how important a nature-fix is to everyone’s well being. And how cool for your grandson to go to a school where it is a priority. I hope more and more schools are able to incorporate programs of a similar nature in their curriculum but as with most things, a lot of it has to do with the mindset and priorities of those in charge. When the adults in an area make it a priority, it will be. If not…well, I think we all know the answer to that. And congrats to you for making sure it is part of your life. ~Kathy
Since our weather has been only mildly overheated, and I’ve been able to walk outside every evening, I don’t have NDD. But I can see how this would affect everyone living in areas that are currently too hot! “…develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real.” This is what being out in nature does for us, and we should take every measure to make sure we have as much exposure to ‘outside’ as we can. It’s something we need to plan for!
Hi Diane! Good for you for recognizing the need and making it a priority. It is tricky when the weather is really hot OR really cold. Hopefully everyone is able to find options that work for them because it really is something we need. ~Kathy
It’s so easy to sit on our bottoms in front of a screen or a immersed in a book – time just slides by and hours are gone before we know it. I’m trying to get out for a walk twice a day (it used to just be in the morning but my Fitbit tells me that’s nowhere near enough!) The good endorphins are worth the time it takes to put on some shoes and get out the door – and I never regret it afterwards! BTW I loved your sunset pic and pinned it xx
Hi Leanne! I agree. Especially when the weather isn’t good or when we have something physical slowing us down. What’s the saying, “argue for your limitations and they are yours!” I think we can all find reasons NOT to get our nature fix or to turn it around and insist on it. The choice like so many things is ours to make but it is very important that we recognize the benefits before we make that decision. Good for your for pushing yourself a bit and YES to the endorphins of nature. ~Kathy
HI Kathy
I love being outside. As kids we were always outside. As an adult my profession was that of flower grower. Although it was in a greenhouse I was in contact with nature daily. We took our kids camping, skiing both water and snow. Luckily they still want to be outside and have instilled the love of out-of-doors in their own children. My husband and I hike weekly and I garden.
So, no NDD here.
I think people believe they have to “go somewhere” to get a nature fix, when in reality it’s right outside our front doors.
Laura
Hi Laura! I so agree that we usually don’t have to go somewhere to find nature…unless we live in the big city. I also think that certain economic demographics keep people, especially kids, living in areas that aren’t very “green” or even safe. I think that was part of the reason one of my sisters kept her kids inside when they were young. As a single mother living in an apartment in not the best part of town, she did keep them inside a lot. Then I think when she got older, remarried and then moved to a better neighborhood with more “green” she was in the habit of keeping them inside “to be safe.” Unfortunately, I think that “habit” is what works against so many people even as they age. It sounds to me like you have it figured out for you and your family. So very important. Let’s keep spreading the importance okay? ~Kathy
Hi Everyone! Kathy here! If you have tried to leave a comment and it isn’t going through I am sorry. My email address was hacked and it was suggested that I put a CAPTCHA on the site. I’ve tried one and apparently it is blocking people out so now I have a new one installed that will hopefully work very well. Sorry for the trouble. I really do value your comments. ~Kathy
I think this is why I love our place in Florida so much. There I feel compelled to be outside every day, if just to sit on the front porch and watch the world go by. I’m trying to be more outside even at “home” in Ohio. Interestingly “outside” came up repeatedly on my most recent vision board…. coincidence to this post? The Universe confirming what I need to do? Who knows….but I’m going to take a long walk today, despite the heat and humidity!
P.S. second attempt to comment. your new captcha (sp?) thing is not liking me
Hi Pat! I guess I didn’t know you also owned a place in Florida. But living in Ohio and facing those winters I’m not surprised 🙂 And good for you for having lots of nature photos on your vision board. And even in the desert where I live and will be returning shortly (at least for a while) you can ALWAYS get up early and walk. It’s funny but when I’ve talked on the phone to some people back home I’ll tell them I’ve heard about how hot it is. But interestingly enough, many of them will say, “It’s not that bad.” Huh? 115 degrees is bad–I’ve been there before. But most people LIVE in the A/C and don’t even realize that they are spending the majority of their time inside. That’s why it is so important to remind each other about getting out. We NEED our nature!
And sorry about the captcha thing. I’ve had my email hacked and they suggested I add that. I am going to try a different one and see if that makes it easy. Apologies to you and everyone who is having trouble. ~Kathy
Nature, sun, fresh air — my lifeblood. I’ve always been fortunate to work and live in an environment that allowed for frequent time outdoors – be it walking between buildings on a campus, having time in my schedule – etc. I’ve realized that water and greenery is important to me. While Sedona AZ and other areas of the southwest are beautiful I don’t think I could live in that type of nature. All of that said, I am five miles from Lake Michigan and because I can’t always get there, I have made an effort to create a natural oasis in my backyard – and established an ‘outdoor office space’ so to speak. I suffer from NDD on a cloudy day or too many days indoors. I’ll take 0 degrees and sunny over rainy and 50 any day. Thanks for a great post!
Hi Janet! Good for you for knowing how important nature is to you and arranging to spend as much time as possible outside. I do think water is important and am cherishing my time here, but I am still a desert rat at heart–especially when the rest of the country is icy, cold or rainy. I HAVE too have sunshine most of the time and where we live the winters are spectacular. Becuase of that, we are able to be outdoors just about every day. Then there are those four months or so when if you can leave–you do. We did live in Colorado for a number of years and although the sun was out much of the time, it was still really cold (did I mention we don’t “do” cold?) There it was the opposite IMHO–8 months of cold or iffy weather vs 4 months of really nice weather. So after living there for about 5 or 6 years we made the decision to move back to California and have been here ever since. I do think it is different for us all (aren’t most things?) but what’s most important is finding a place where we appreciate gettting outside as much as possible. ~Kathy
Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area — I avoid damp as much as possible but I am a sucker for snow. I even enjoy shoveling snow!
Hi Kathy,
Living on 33 acres of forest, meadow and pond, and with two dogs who need the exercise and the mental stimulation, spending time in nature is not a problem for me. And I’m glad of that. I feel the benefits of it every single day.
That said, this summer has been tougher than usual because the endless weeks of extreme heat have made the deer flies especially vicious. I still go out in it but batting those vicious little suckers away as they swarm me and my dogs – well, that takes a lot of the pleasure out of nature.
You’ve given me an idea with this post and your other recent ones about your time at the beach. If I wait until September next year, when tourist season is over, 4-6 weeks in an oceanside cottage in Nova Scotia is very achievable. It might be warm sweater and fires weather, rather than bare feet in the moist sand, but that’s good too. Just being able to hear the waves lapping at the sand would be so cathartic. I’m going to look into the possibilities. Thanks, Kathy!
Hi Karen! Oh how interesting that you are super warm up in Ontario too. Unfortunately, I think everyone around the world will need to adjust to warmer temps–like it or not–in the days ahead. And like I said in response to Janis, it’s been a bit warm here too for several days–but NO BUGS! I’m REALLY happy about that. Interesting that the heat and the bugs were the thing that kids said kept them from going outside much too. And I don’t know about you, but when it is warm and more humid than I am used to, I get pretty lazy and lethargic. Fortunately, I’m schedule is flexible and not to demanding so I’m able to get by.
But yes, I think taking the time to put ourselves in different but beautiful nature spots is a real key to making us appreciate the natural world we live in. ~Kathy
Because of the heat we’ve been experiencing lately, I have found myself hiding inside our house much more than usual… I’m sure I have a bad case of NDD. Your beach looks so lovely… not very crowded and lots of cool breezes. Maybe I just need to get up a little earlier and get out when the temps are still reasonable. Thanks for the nudge!
Hi Janis! Yes, even though we are at the beach and it is MUCH cooler than back home in the desert, we’ve had a few warm days. The good news or the bad news (depending upon how you look at it!) is that our beach house does not have A/C. So when it gets warm in the afternoon we normally make up some ice tea (or go to Starbucks!) and then go and hang out in the park by the water where there is ALWAYS a cool breeze. And frankly, I think Kloe likes that best of all. 🙂 Far better than being shut up in the house. But yes, it breaks up the routine and you have to make plans differently. But maybe that’s good for us???? And yes, getting out early is good too. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – I’m reading this post outside, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. I am a definite believer in the healing powers of the outdoors. During my recent 6-week technology break, I spent significant more time outside. Part of that was summer, but part of that was definitely the break. My challenge now is to maintain my increased outdoor time as i reembrace the world of technology!
Hi Donna! It seems like you do a pretty good job getting healthy doses of nature–at least better than many. From your blog I know you travel around and put yourself in places where you can get outside, walk/hike and do all sorts of things. But as you mention, the trick is to be “nature-smart” like Louv says–and keep it all balanced! ~Kathy
Inspiring a love of nature is key to raising well rounded and compassionate children. I have little chunks of time to spend with my 8 yr old grand daughter, but since birth her visits have been spent out side discovering all that nature has to offer. I point out the beauty around us, the interesting plants, the stones, flowers and insects. We pick these up and examine them, these are our ‘treasure’ walks and she brings objects home to play with further. I point out the scents and the feel of the wind, the sun , the rain. I talk to her about how the creation works together and she is part of it, the need to respect what we have and be kind to animals, the planet and herself. I hope this influence in her early years will result in a love of nature, gardens and beauty all around her .
Hi Yvette! Good for you for taking the time to connect with your granddaughter and introduce her to nature. How could you NOT be influencing her in the long run? And If Rachel Carlson is correct, she will have such a positive view of nature because you are showing her special places and are a special person. May we all follow your example! ~Kathy
This is such a great post, Kathy!
I wish everyone would take the time to connect with the real world more. Nature is my medicine and my therapist. There are no unpleasant side effects and no chance of overdose. And it’s completely free!!!
I love my daily dose of Vitamin N.
Deb
Hi Deb. Thank you. While I am probably just “preaching to the choir” as usual, I think it’s good to remind each other to take our daily vitamins–especially Vitamin N! ~Kathy
Like Deb above, Nature is my healer – my medicine, my therapist and my church – church of the long grass ( a song by John Wort Hannam, Canadian singer/songwriter). I am so attuned to the seasons. I spend so much time outside in the spring, summer and fall. Snow means slow but it’s easier to dress for the – degree temps than the hot temps. You can only remove so many clothes! And winter means snow removal and walks in the winter wonderland of a moonlit night.
Hi Mona! Ahhhh…isn’t it so valuable to know what nurtures us? Thom regularly says that nature and sitting and watching water is as close to “church” as he needs to be. It sounds like you, like us, can’t imagine why people don’t do everything they can to spend time outside. And by the same token, caring for that gift as much as any precious thing in our lives? As for winter and liking cold weather, someone once told me, that’s why there are so many flavors of ice cream. Think how boring the world would be if there was only one flavor? ~Kathy
Being out in nature gives us a perspective, larger than ourselves. It takes us outside ourselves to something bigger and more mysterious, awesome in scope. I’m a hiker and love being in nature. Water is very soothing and healing. There’s just something cathartic about it all, not sure how to put it into words. But it does the soul good. I know when I haven’t had my ‘dose’ in a while, I feel a lack and ‘need’ to get out there. Thank you for this comprehensive piece. I’m printing it up and will refer to it in my talks/semiars to parents and others.
Hi Harriet! So important to be reminded of this don’t you think? I’m not much a hiker but I’m a HUGE walker 🙂 and I get what you mean about needing a “dose.” And thank you for letting me know you found my resources useful enough to share! ~Kathy