Americans' Historical Tradition of Seeking Anxiety Relief in Parks and Nature
By
bryanrasmussen
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
The article explores the historical tradition of Americans seeking relief from anxiety and stress by visiting parks and natural spaces. It traces this practice back to the 1870s post-Civil War era, when rapid industrialization and social changes prompted people to seek solace in nature. The piece examines how this pattern has continued through various periods of national stress, including economic uncertainty and policy changes, with parks serving as sanctuaries for mental respite. The article connects contemporary trends of park vacation popularity to this long-standing cultural tradition of using nature as an antidote to anxiety during times of widespread societal change.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe frenzy shouldn't surprise us. With festering worries related to economic uncertainty, inflated costs, and federal policy whiplash, the popularity of park vacations is no coincidence.
Rather, the rush to escape to these beautiful sanctuaries echoes a long history of Americans turning to nature for relief from anxiety, particularly during moments of sudden and widely felt changes.
In the 1870s, the United States was in the midst of the most spectacular transformations yet in its history.
For 150 years, Americans have visited state and national parks as a way to seek respite from stress.
You might also wanna read
Japan's Ise Jingu Shrine Rebuilt Every 20 Years in 1,300-Year-Old Shinto Tradition
The article describes the unique Shinto tradition at Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred shrine, which is completely rebuilt every 20 years in a
apnews.com·8mo ago
Joseon Dynasty's celestial and natural omens as recorded in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty
This article presents a creative, conceptual piece about the Joseon dynasty of Korea (1392–1897), which meticulously recorded natural phenom
ajin.im·1d ago
US, Mexico, and Canada impose World Cup travel restrictions amid Ebola outbreak concerns
With 14 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the US, Mexico, and Canada have imposed strict travel restrictions on international visitors due
irishstar.com·1d ago
Onderzoek: Een op drie digitale nomaden kampt met psychische problemen
The article discusses the downsides of working abroad as a digital nomad, citing research that one in three digital nomads experiences psych
telegraaf.nl·4d ago
Cruise ship undergoes extra cleaning after deadly hantavirus outbreak, operator says
A cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak, is undergoing additional cleaning on the adv
1011now.com·5d ago
The Psychology and History of Why We Sleep Under Blankets, Even in Summer Heat
This article explores the psychological and historical reasons why humans feel compelled to sleep under blankets, even during hot weather. I
atlasobscura.com·6d ago