[4.25] A friend has aptly dubbed me a “nature nerd.” I would sooner explore a river on my kayak or hike in a forest than watch an NFL playoff game or scarf down buttery popcorn in my neighborhood Regal. So is it any surprise that I’ve assigned 4+ stars to “The Nature Fix?” Williams’ book focuses on the terrain that intersects mental health and our environment. It’s an engaging, anecdote-laden ode to “the restorative effects of nature.”
The book is divided into five sections in a bid to help readers better absorb the voluminous material. I often take sketchy notes when I read personal growth/self-help books. I was surprised to discover that this set of notes exceeded 2,000 words (No worries: This review will 75% shorter!)
The underlying theme: spending time in nature – even short periods – have tangible physiological and psychological benefits. Williams, a journalist who has frequently written about the environment, spent two years researching the book and traveled to several fascinating venues around the world. She further bolsters her credibility when she points out numerous times that some studies and experiments have been inconclusive in documenting health benefits. Yet dozens of compelling examples lead to similar conclusions – that on average, people are happier, more creative and even more physically healthy when they spend some time outdoors.
My personal notes red-flag more than three dozen intriguing concepts and “fun facts,” only of a few of which will make the cut for this review. The author vividly explores the benefits of “forest bathing.” She examines the impact of noise, lamenting that it “may be the most pervasive pollutant in America.” She cites one expert who believes listening to several minutes of birdsong each day can have tangible benefits (I’ve had a small cottage in a lakefront community for decades where birds outnumber people at least 10 to 1. I’ve long thought that listening to birdsong on my deck helped me to feel more calm, mindful and creative. I now feel more confident that I wasn’t imagining things.)
Williams provides examples of attention restoration theory, illustrating how some programs have harnessed nature to help treat anxiety, depression and ADHD. She even discusses some concepts I’ve never pondered before. For example, I’ve never heard of “walking book clubs” where bookworms stroll through nature as they discuss a specific tome. I love it!
The author wisely acknowledges that “nature fixes” aren’t for everyone. She quotes Woody Allen who once quipped: “I love nature, I just don’t want to get any of it on me.”
If the book has one flaw, it’s that some passages trod over very similar turf. As a literary “minimalist,” I could have lived with 20% fewer examples and studies. But I quibble. “The Nature Fix” is thought-provoking and generally engaging. It may also be a persuasive tool that helps many readers who are unwittingly suffering from “nature deficit disorder.” ( )

Important book. Not as good as “Last Child in the Woods,” but still very informative and interesting. ( )

Good info, good research. I think I can do 5 hours a month of nature, in the summer. If it's not too hot. Easy listen. Able to look up more information afterward about forest bathing and the nature pyramid. ( )

If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ve probably heard that being in nature can do wonders for your stress levels and overall health.

This books addresses practices such as forest bathing in South Korea and Japan, wilderness schools in the US for troubled teenagers as well as ADHD therapy. It also discusses scientific studies.

There are huge benefits to being outdoors. Stress related cortisol levels drop and increase brain waves that lead to better focus, calmness, and creativity. Our brains react positively to fractals found in the leaves of trees and the ripples in water. Being in a place where you use all five senses at once can help with brain trauma. In addition, being in nature can recharge our sense of awe – which many researchers believe is essential for humans.

The author suggests outdoor walks every day; a longer outdoor engagement once a week and an occasional or periodic outdoor several day immersion.

This is an interesting summary of the benefits of being outdoors in nature. Most of the material I was familiar with, although it was nice to have it all in one place.

I wish the author had addressed working in the outdoors doing such tasks as gardening and animal care. I suspect there are many of the same benefits as relaxing or recreating in nature. ( )

Liked this for how it got me to think about my relationship with nature, but I frequently found the author a bit smug, and the science--while I am all for this topic--seemed to need to be a little stronger. It is all couched in privilege as well, which Williams only acknowledges briefly at the very end. Also, it really pissed me off how dismissive she was of anti-depressants throughout the book. While I think getting out in nature is amazing and can be transformative (if it's your thing), I also think it is --O.K.-- to manage mood disorders with medication. Enough with this shaming already. Jeez. ( )