A quiet garden outside the new Union Medical Center could cut patients’ stress levels by up to 30%—research shows that nature exposure lowers cortisol and slows heart rate.
The landscape features paved paths, outdoor seating, shaded green lawns, and quiet corners that let visitors breathe away from the hum of machines.
The space was made possible by a $100,000 gift from country singer Dolly Parton, a hometown hero whose family once lived in Union County.
Doctors at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System say that exposure to nature can speed wound healing and improve sleep quality for those in recovery.
If you’re a hospital administrator, consider adding a small green area; if you’re a patient, spend a few minutes in nature each day to help your body recover.
Consult with your care team before altering your treatment plan, but remember that a few minutes of fresh air can be a powerful part of healing.