Being told to “take a hike” was once a popular way of telling someone to get lost or go away. Now, it’s a prescription for a healthy life.
Since last fall, University of Virginia students have been embracing a new opportunity to explore nature’s beneficial effects on health and well-being. Faculty within UVA’s Department of Student Health and Wellness partnered with the School of Education and Human Development to offer a new course, “Engaging With Nature for Health and Well-being,” through the lifetime physical activity program directed by education professor Diane Whaley.
“When Student Health and Wellness approached me about this course, I was really excited to further expand our offerings to students – especially with a focus on outdoor activity and the role of nature,” said Whaley, the director of UVA’s Lifetime Physical Activity Program. “This class is so consistent with our mission of fostering a lifelong commitment to physical activity and health.”
The Lifetime Physical Activity program is led by education professor Diane Whaley. (Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications)
Numerous studies have demonstrated that spending time in nature enhances both physical and mental well-being. Particularly during the pandemic, nature has become an essential refuge that affords one of the few “safe” options for recreation. According to the American Public Health Association, spending time in nature during a pandemic also boosts mental health.
“Engaging With Nature,” a one-credit, pass/fail course, seeks to provide students with practical skills for incorporating nature experiences into their regular health habits. The course teaches that the first step in building a new habit is creating space and time for the new activity. The beauty of this instruction is that it works to build time into the student’s regular weekly schedule.
The class meets once a week for 2½ hours, always in a new setting. Those settings are close enough to Grounds that students can access them easily, even given short timeframes. Students are also provided with options for more extended nature experiences outside of class time.
Throughout the course, course participants learn about the many ways in which nature positively influences health and well-being. Student Health and Wellness Dr. Jessica Simmons, director of medical services; Executive Director Dr. Christopher Holstege; Dr. Meredith Hayden, associate executive director; and staff psychologist Jeff Jennings of Counseling and Psychological Services, each bring a unique lens to the students’ learning experience. Classes include discussions of the health benefits of engaging nature (such as the concept of “forest bathing”), demystifying the outdoors, planning appropriately for a safe wilderness engagement, exploring nature in the local community and discussing the history of the region and current nature conservation efforts.
