In early June, Nichols Arboretum was awash with the vibrant colors of hundreds of blooming peonies. This floral spectacle formed the backdrop for a unique gathering of University of Michigan’s faculty, staff, and students, who were there not merely to admire the blooms but to partake in a guided nature experience aimed at enhancing well-being.
This event was part of the university’s Nature Rx initiative, designed to encourage mindfulness and stress management by engaging participants with nature. Dubbed the Breath of Fresh Air Guided Nature Experience, it was a practical application of research supporting nature’s benefits for mental health.
A Breath of Fresh Air
- This initiative is part of the Take a Pause for Well-Being event, facilitated by Experience Rx: Social Prescribing at Michigan. Collaborators include Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, the Arts Initiative, MDining, MHealthy, and several wellness organizations within the University of Michigan.
According to Katie Stannard, a coordinator with U-M’s Health and Well-Being Services, the venue, W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden, is perfect for promoting the calming effects of nature. “We believe nature can heal,” Stannard stated, emphasizing the importance of outdoor activities supported by scientific research.
Nature Rx is driven by a diverse team comprising members from various university departments, including Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Michigan Recreation, and the School of Dentistry. These departments work together to foster healthy lifestyles within the U-M community.
Planting Seeds
The idea for A Breath of Fresh Air was conceived in 2020 by Kelcey Stratton, a behavioral health strategist at UHR, to encourage outdoor breaks during workdays. Launched in May 2024 after pandemic delays, the program has since engaged over 600 participants in various sessions.
Nature Rx
- The Nature Rx website and app provide research-backed activities for enhancing mental, physical, and emotional health. These resources promote social connections and are accessible to individuals and teams.
The guided nature sessions are part of a broader effort by UHR’s Health and Well-Being Services to promote university-wide well-being, aligning with the Year of Human Health and Well-Being campaign.
MHealthy offers a range of wellness programs for staff, supported by resources like the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience and the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office.
Peak Performance
The selection of the peony garden reflects MBGNA’s commitment to creating transformative nature experiences, according to Stannard. “We were trying to align with the peony bloom time because it’s a familiar, beautiful awe-inspiring space,” she explained.
For Allison Uy from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, the event was a perfect blend of her interests in outdoor activities and nature. “I like to check in with myself,” Uy expressed. “Nature Rx is a great reminder both to do so and how.”
While the peonies’ bloom period is brief, the practices learned can be applied throughout the year. Stannard noted, “Spending time in natural locations provides an opportunity to pause and restore.” Even brief nature interactions, such as stepping outside or sitting by a window, can offer significant benefits.
As the activity concluded, Uy summed up her experience succinctly: “Absolutely beautiful. Please come.”
