It may seem obvious and even inarguable that nature has a profound positive effect on our health… but what actually is it about nature that provides us with so many benefits? Why do we feel more at ease under a canopy of trees, feel our curiosity and creativity brim when we see unique rock formations, feel grateful for being alive while basking in the sun, or forget all about our worries when we stare into the vastness of the ocean?
Biophilia and the Biophilia Hypothesis
Erich Fromm coined the term “biophilia” which later became known as the “biophilia hypothesis” to explain the human evolution to be drawn to nature and appreciate its beauty. A Harvard entomologist E. O. Wilson1 explained how this preference to be in nature is not only an aid in survival but for overall human fulfillment.
This opens the door to why we respond so powerfully to natural stimuli. To further Wilson’s explanation of our preference to be in nature, our ancestors relied on the stress-relieving benefits of nature. Although our modern-day stressors do not equate to the ones of our Pleistocene ancestors–although one could argue that being late for work and stuck in rush-hour traffic is just as heart-pounding as being chased by a hungry lion–just like us, they needed to figure out ways to relieve stress. Even without consciously knowing it, being attuned to nature and its cues2 allowed our ancestors to receive mental clarity and hope, and ultimately, fight for their survival.
“When love, laughter, and music weren’t around, there was always a sunset.”
– Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix
Studies on Biophilia and “Forest Bathing” and Their Effect on Health
In a literature review of recent experimental and observational studies on the association between exposure to nature and its relation to health, researchers reported beneficial effects such as improved brain function and activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Furthermore, the authors of the literature review concluded there was a protective effect of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes.
Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term translating to “forest bathing,” is the practice of immersing oneself in nature using one’s senses. Being a healing action, Shinrin-yoku aims at producing relaxation effects, and “yoku” (bathing) implies the holistic nature of our health. A recent article examined the mental health impacts of forest bathing and found connecting with nature can help us regulate our emotions through self-calming instead of fear and anxiety.
Not only does spending more time in nature benefit you at an individual level through decreases in depression and anxiety, but it even increases feelings of belonging in a community. The literature review mentioned a study where participants who viewed a towering tree for one minute scored higher “awe” scores (which is associated with increased helping behaviors), than people who viewed a building with the same height.
These literature reviews highlight the underrated, realistic, and affordable way to prioritize your health–by getting outside. Being inside for multiple hours a day and being surrounded by the temptation of our phones, computers, tablets, and TVs, can create sensory overload. We were just simply not meant to consume so much information.
Restless Without Natural Rhythms
Since our early-day ancestors spent almost all of their lives outdoors and have survived continual life and death stressors, it raises the question of how our digital-aged lives and our technology-induced future cope and will cope with never-ending stress.
We already know the effects the constant flow of information has on our mental health. We feel it. We feel it while we scroll through video after video on TikTok, search through Instagram posts, and the non-stop news or X alert pop-ups on our phones. In fact, the awareness of other people’s stressors online can contribute to and create stressors in your own life. With shortened attention spans and the majority of our lives spent indoors, how do we get back to immersing ourselves in the lengthy rhythms of nature?
Become Attune with Nature
You do not have to make grand leaps to prioritize nature in your life. You do not have to drive miles to find the closest national or state park, plan a remote camping trip, or become the next survivalist, although those are cool options. Just step outside. Instead of eating a meal in front of the television, take it in the backyard. Lay in the grass. Open up your senses to the natural world and let it fill your heart, mind, and spirit.
Even when the world feels its heaviest, there is always a sunset.
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