Health and Wellbeing – National Parks Association of NSW

Urban Greenspace and Mental Health and Wellbeing

Posted by NPA NSWon June 1, 2020June 1, 2020in Nature NSW, Winter 2020Leave a comment

Magella Lajoie, Sydney Region Branch

Since the COVID-19 crisis, my husband and I head off for the bush at the end of our street everyday. We are very lucky to live in a suburb with abundant greenspace. We have been bushwalkers all our lives and know that feeling of introspection during the walk and value that feeling of rejuvenation after a bush walk. Now science has bourgeoning evidence that urban greenspace is good for our health, our mental health and our wellbeing.

Future of Australian forests is vital to our own

Posted by NPA NSWon August 31, 2018August 30, 2018in Native Forest Logging, Spring 2018Leave a comment

^{Dr John Van Der Kallen, rheumatologist and member of Doctors for the Environment Australia.}

Forests add value to our lives in so many ways.

They clean our air and water, promote rain formation and protect soils from salinity and erosion.

Natural Effects

Posted by NPA NSWon March 1, 2018February 27, 2018in Autumn 2018, Nature NSWLeave a comment

^{Dailan Pugh, Environmentalist and Artist}
You know that exercise is good for you, though did you know its health benefits are greatly magnified if undertaken in a forest? Just standing in a forest taking in the view can improve your mood and cognitive function. Even sitting in a chair looking at a photo of the view is good for you.

Why Are National Parks Important

Posted by NPA NSWon November 1, 2016November 1, 2016in Featured Post, Park ProtectionLeave a comment

National parks protect the best of our natural heritage: stunning landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and majestic forests. Together with other protected areas they form the basis of our economic and social wellbeing, attract millions of visitors annually, and help to protect Australia’s unique wildlife by acting as a refuge for threatened species. Although their primary purpose is the protection of biodiversity, National Parks also deliver other invaluable economic, social, cultural and health benefits to Australians. Future generations deserve the right to see these natural values intact and protected as we do today.

Bushwalking: A natural tonic for the modern world

Posted by on March 9, 2016March 3, 2017in Media Releases1 Comment

The physical benefits of exercise are well known, but did you know that nature-based activity is good for your mind too? Those amazing south coast national parks are more than just havens for flora and fauna, they are also part of the solution to a happier and healthier community.

From better concentration to more rapid recovery from illness to reduced feelings of anxiety and depression, taking time out in nature is proving time and again to be the ultimate tonic for today’s technology stressed society.