They were places to eat lunch, meet friends, walk through on the way home from work, or just pause for a few quiet moments. (Photo by Todd Lookingbill)Everyday parks, everyday benefitsEvidence linking time spent in nature with health benefits has increasingly shaped public policy. It describes a love of nature and emphasizes that the more time spent in fresh air, the better. Find a park bench or shady tree and enjoy a meal outdoors for a mental reset. Join a bird walk, nature program, volunteer day or other event to make spending time outdoors a regular habit.