"A fun resource for adults and children who love the outdoors. Those who want to start making regular time for nature and the outdoors in their household will find this an easy guide."—Library Journal
"Colorful illustrations and practical suggestions make this book a handy parenting resource."—Booklist
"As a mom, I saw first hand how connection with nature lightened everyone's mood. Finding Ecohappiness is a beautiful and informative guide to calming our mind and replenishing our souls in nature for ourselves as well as our children." —Kyra Sedgwick, actor/director
"In a time when children are under unprecedented environmental and social stress, Sandi Schwartz makes an impassioned and practical case for focusing on nature connection as a way to build their mental health, resilience and happiness. Finding Ecohappiness is, in short, a prescription for reducing the loneliness of our species." —Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, Vitamin N, and Our Wild Calling
"Impressively written, organized and presented, Finding Ecohappiness is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, family, and community library Parenting, Family Activity, and Child Psychology collections"—Midwest Book Review
"Finding Ecohappiness opens our eyes to the healing, transformative and healthy influences nature has ready for us. Bring this into your life, read it carefully, the secrets to our happiness are all around us." —Elisha Goldstein, PhD, author of Uncovering Happiness
"From float therapy and meditation gardens to tree hugging and forest bathing, Schwartz makes a strong case that anybody can find happiness, peace and joy in nature—and she will show you exactly how!" —Linda Åkeson McGurk, journalist, blogger, and author of There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather
"What a gift this book is to parents looking to improve the mental health and happiness of their children and themselves! Drawing on the growing body of research on the healing power of nature, and packed with practical activities around mindfulness, awe, nature play, interaction with animals, eating well, and nature-based volunteering, Sandi Schwartz provides a road-map for reaping nature's benefits and healing the planet at the same time." —Marti Erickson, PhD, developmental psychologist and co-host of the Mom Enough podcast
"Sandi Schwartz offers us a rich and practical guide to finding connection between ourselves and the natural world. The practices described in this book will help you and the ones you love step through the real doorways to the world outside and through the barriers in our minds to a relationship with nature that heals and sustains." —John Muir Laws, scientist, artist, award-winning educator, and author of several books including The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling
"Now more than ever, we could all benefit from greater connection to the healing powers of nature. In Finding Ecohappiness, Sandi Schwartz does an amazing job of bringing together engaging stories, cutting-edge research, and practical tips on how to tap into the therapeutic benefits of the natural world. A timely and essential book!" —Jonah Paquette, PsyD, author of Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected
"I highly recommend this book to any family interested in accessing the many benefits of the natural world. Sandi Schwartz's writing style is enjoyable and easy to read while also providing a thorough introduction to how nature is so good for people. She guides the reader through the extensive research and theory in a way that is informative and accessible. The tips and activities are practical and simple to adopt, while also being assured to help any child or family gain the full health and happiness benefits nature provides." —Dennis Kiley, founder, EcoPsychology Initiative
"Finding Ecohappiness is a welcome and needed addition for every home and classroom. This book is thoughtfully and carefully crafted. It is a comprehensive and practical guide that advises and shapes opportunities to incorporate nature into families' lives in ways that will make sense for each individual family. Tools and tips are shared throughout, and the checklists and resources at the end of each chapter are ready made for busy parents, teachers, and caregivers. Bravo!" —Harriet Shugarman, award-winning author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change
"Finding Ecohappiness lays out the case that nature and our families' emotional states are intimately intertwined. Through personal experiences, expert interviews, and social science research, Sandi Schwartz provides a comprehensive, accessible guide to using the natural environment to boost your family's mental health. She provides practical examples and activities that root the ideas in real life. If you struggle with anxiety or just want to find a bit more ecohappiness, you should definitely check out this book!" —Shannon Brescher Shea, author of Growing Sustainable Together
"This book is filled with important activities that children and families need right now. Sandi Schwartz explains that not only do we possess the abilities to overcome our stress, anxieties, and other challenges, but we can do it by tapping into the power of nature. Finding Ecohappiness was written from the heart and presents proven knowledge of what works to transform our lives. This book is a huge inspiration and an essential tool in our arsenal that we will utilize again and again!" —Giselle Shardlow, Kids Yoga Stories
"If there is one thing the world needs right now, it is a heavy dose of 'ecohappiness,' which can only be found when we look up from our devices and step outside. Sandi Schwartz understands something that many of us have forgotten: the abundant gifts of the natural world are the keys to physical and emotional health. With compelling scientific research, concise storytelling and actionable tips, Finding Ecohappiness will help families harness the awesome power of nature to stay connected, reduce stress and increase happiness." —Natalie Silverstein, MPH, author of Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back
"My daughter is an environmentalist who also has been diagnosed with anxiety. Finding Ecohappiness provided a wealth of science-backed information and activities that have helped her. She loved the guided relaxation along with many other activities. All types of families can benefit from trying the various suggested activities and resources that are accessible to anyone." —Cheryl Maguire, MSCP, journalist
"Schwartz’s book is an exciting and meaningful guide sure to help its audience navigate this important, life-affecting part of the parenthood journey. Highly recommended!" —Nonfiction Authors Association Book Awards Program
02/01/2022
Anxiety and depression are spreading among children and teens, particularly in the midst of the pandemic, racial inequity, and political turmoil; screens are dominating children's lives, between online classes and time spent at home, isolated from peers, journalist Schwartz argues. She cites studies that suggest that connecting with nature on a regular basis reduces stress and boosts mood, and proposes here that spending time outside is a good antidote to anxiety and depression in children (and their parents). The book's main topics are mindfulness, awe and gratitude, outdoor play, creative arts, animals, food, and volunteering, and it suggests that parents and children spend time together in nature, via activities like outdoor labyrinths, walking meditations, forest bathing, and float therapy. Each chapter ends with an activity checklist and a list of resources and organizations for digging deeper. Caregivers of all kinds are sure to find a nature-related activity they can enjoy with children, and Schwartz's scientific data is both fascinating and enlightening. VERDICT A fun resource for adults and children who love the outdoors. Those who want to start making regular time for nature and the outdoors in their household will find this an easy guide.
