ABSTRACT
The impact of natural environments on mood, state of mind, and health has been studied by Professors Rachel and Stephen Kaplan for over 20 years. Tibetans believe that the wind carries the prayers printed on the flags, spreading goodwill and positive energy. Children who move better, feel better, and evidence has shown that physical activity can alleviate the symptoms of depression. Green spaces can also be protective, preventing and reducing some chronic diseases. A wild space provides a variety of natural obstacles, excellent for prompting different types of physical movement: jumping, clambering, crawling, sliding, rolling, climbing. Children tend to be more engaged by negotiating obstacles in a natural setting than indoor gym equipment. If children's communication skills are significantly delayed, they can struggle to make friends and experience increased anger and frustration.
