Dr. Valerie Esposito of Champlain College, speaks to us about the many benefits that getting out into nature has on our minds and bodies. Dr. Esposito explains that the mind and body are intimately connected, and how taking in fresh air for only 15 minutes not only reduces anxiety and depression, but boosts our immune systems as well. Dr. Esposito talks to us about the restorative power of something called “Shinrin-Yoku” (forest bathing), a Japanese technique which is as its name implies, a total immersion in the forest just as we would sink into a deep bubble bath.
“We can never have enough of nature."
~Henry David Thoreau.
Dr. Valerie Esposito has been the Program Director for the Environmental Studies and Policy program since 2010. She has a Valerie attended American University, earning a B.A. in Justice. She received an M.A. from Brown University in Environmental Studies. She obtained her Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Ecological Economics from the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont. Her teaching interests include ecological literacy, education for sustainability, place-based learning and ecological economic policy implementation. Valerie enjoys spending time taking advantage of Vermont's playground with family and friends through skiing, biking, hiking, gardening and being in the woods with her dog. Reading and cultivating her inner yogini also keep her busy.
#Champlaincollege #Forestbathing #nature #mentalhealth #anxiety #reducestress #depression #reducedepression #gratitude #mindfulness #resilience #emotionalhealing #freshairbenefits #innerpeace #happiness #authenticity #selfcare #selfvalue #peace #solitude #Stmichaelscollege
