After the presents are unwrapped, the turkey is eaten and the kids are back in school, many Canadians begin the New Year ready to follow-through on resolutions to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Although happiness implies different things to everyone - from exercising more, to eating more healthily or getting personal finances in order - a new poll suggests that feeling happy can be as easy as connecting to nature.
The recent Ipsos Reid poll, conducted on behalf of the Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC), shares some simple ways to find fulfillment that don't include gym workouts or shopping withdrawal. The survey revealed that 87 per cent of Canadians agree that the more connected they feel to nature, the happier they are.
"Nature has benefits that go beyond clean air and water," said John Zelenski, a professor of experimental psychology at Ottawa's Carleton University who actively studies human connectedness to nature. "Nature has a profound impact on our psychological well-being and happiness." And since we are surrounded by one of the world's most beautiful natural environments, Canadians are already one step ahead in their search for contentment.
But this is something that we don't take for granted. Canadians are deeply concerned about the need to conserve the vast natural areas we are fortunate to be graced with today. In fact, 85 per cent are worried that those areas will not endure for future generations.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference. Canadians can help by working to protect natural areas and the species they sustain by supporting the Nature Conservancy of Canada. By volunteering time to NCC through the Conservation Volunteers program or making a donation, including a The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the nation's leading land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. To learn more visit: www.natureconservancy.ca
