Nature's Green Gifts To The Chronically Ill

Inspired by an article about the healing power of nature over at PsoriaticArthritis.net by Diane T., I wanted to share a bit about how I work with nature to move through spondylitis flare-ups, and its accompanying fatigue, mental health issues, and pain.

Diane says the magic of earth helps here, too — that gardening earth helps her find joy — and even better, it's all scientifically sound! Being outside helps to increase serotonin:

"Soil contains a certain bacterium: mycobacterium vaccae. This bacterium induces our bodies to release serotonin, which is the happy chemical," she writes. "With lower levels of anxiety, our bodies will also become less stressed, bringing relief to our already aching joints. You might want to reconsider thinking of soil as just dirt."

Yes, please! Note to self: Embrace dirt.

Now, here are some of the ways I've been working with nature, as well.

Long walks in nature

Yesterday I took myself on a long walk through Green-Wood Cemetery here in Brooklyn, New York. That may sound a bit macabre, but the Cemetery is a well known, historic landmark in NYC. It was a forested area in the 1800s and has been preserved (thankfully) during the industrialization of NYC — in the middle of a loud, wild city — as a place of respite.

It's a cemetery, sure, but it's also a massive green space for events, arts, music, and history. It's got lakes and a fish pond and is a sanctuary for certain kinds of birds. Walking through its trails and steps and past bodies of waters covered in fallen, golden leaves was a joy — a special day away from computers, COVID, stress, politics, and everything else going on in NYC. Being in nature absolutely does wonders for my stress levels (as it reduces my stress levels, which are directly correlated, I'm convinced).

In the cemetery, I'm surrounded by angels and cherubs, and beautiful, ornate sculptures that signify the sacredness of life — and the afterlife. There's something comfortable in that, in an odd way.

But science tells us that walking in green spaces like these is good for us: It "reduces or even prevents the cardinal signs of inflammation following injury: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function," according to the Journal of Inflammation Research. 

Houseplants and herbs

I've been learning about houseplants and herbs — especially ones that are easy to grow in low-light NYC apartments (even better if you have direct light or a rural space to grow with!).

Something about spending time with a few green plants gives me such joy; it allows me to zone out and focus on something outside myself (stress relief), and grow something that is good for my health (a win-win!).

We all know that eating greens is good for us. According to a recent study, the evidence is everywhere: "We found robust evidence for short- to moderate-term beneficial effects of plant-based diets versus conventional diets (duration ≤ 24 months) on weight status, energy metabolism and systemic inflammation in healthy participants."

So why not plant your own? 

Basil, rosemary, parsley, mint, oregano, cilantro, arugula are some common favorites that are generally very fuss-free (but do require bright light and may take some time). There are also plenty of delivery services for these plants, but a pack of seeds, some soil, and a potter shouldn’t cost you much. Some people also opt for a small incubator, which does a lot of work. Watching your greens grow, tending to them, and snipping them for your dinner just adds a bit of magic and intention to your day.

For me, it also gives me a sense of autonomy over my body (and we all know AS makes us feel out of control).

What sort of things do you do to embrace joy, connect with the earth, and reduce stress?