Everyone needs a hug every now and then, but recent science research is showing that maybe tree hugging is more beneficial to a strong and positive outlook as well as greater office productivity.
Research studies have linked the benefits of nearby nature, views of nature and plants in the office to higher job satisfaction. A study by the Conference Board research group shows only 45 percent of American are satisfied with their jobs. That's the lowest percentage in the past 22 years.
Mark Ellison, Ed.D, admissions director for the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences (CCHS) will be teaching a new class in the fall titled “Nature, Environment and Human Health.”
“Cabarrus College emphasizes the use of self reflection across the curriculum, and it is a central component of this course as well. Spending time in nature offers a unique opportunity for self reflection, and we will guide students on how to utilize reflection for personal development, and provide opportunities for them to put this into practice during the semester," Ellison explained.
The class, based on the dissertation Ellison presented for his doctorate, will continue to focus on the many ways health is connected to nature. Ellison said the class will touch upon the important relationship between man and nature, and how, with urbanization, we have become more disconnected with nature.
With co-instructors Nancy Green, an occupational therapist and alternative healer; and Angela Ferguson, licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor, Ellison hopes to enlighten students of the restorative benefits of spending time in nature.
“How urbanization, pollution and noise from an urban environment impacts health,” Ellison said. “The importance of having natural areas to escape to and get away from those things. How important they are to your heath.”
Green will contribute to the alternative health aspects of the course.
“She will be looking at nature and healing. Nancy Green is going to pull that in, and talk about how nature is used in different ways for healing,” he said. “The use of herbs in healing, and the daily application of nature in healthcare is going to be her focus. We will start by looking at how humans’ relationship with nature has evolved.”
The class will take its teaching out of the classroom and into nature. Students will hike and experience nature by visiting places like the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
“They will go to the Center for the Environment up at Catawba College to learn more about the research they are doing in air pollution, and other environmental topics,” he said.
The class is open to non-students, and Ellison has already had health professionals from the area enroll. He hopes to expand the class beyond the college and into the business community.
"If we are approached by individuals or businesses in the community to develop a workshop or retreat on nature and how it can be used to restore health/create a healthier workplace, we would be glad to talk with them,” he said. CCHS has been approached by departments at the hospital about developing specialized learning programs, according to Ellison.
For more information contact Mark Ellison at 704-403-1616 or email at mark.ellison@carolinashealthcare.org. Registration forms for the class can be found at www.cabarruscollege.edu.
Contact reporter Robin L. Gardner at 704-789-9140.
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