I have recently been reading the book ‘The Nature Fix’ by Florence Williams. I found it a fascinating read—well, actually, I listened to it as an audiobook. The benefits of nature are so impactful on us as humans, and I thought it would be helpful to connect to that this month. How is this relevant in my day-to-day life, you might be asking?
We are becoming more metropolitan as a human species, with more and more people moving to the city, and some anthropologists naming us ‘metro sapiens’. It is well documented that the impact of overcrowding and urban dwelling can be detrimental to our well-being, leading to an increase in anxiety and depression and less capacity to use coping strategies and decreasing optimism (Williams, 2017). In his best-known work, Biophilia (1984), biologist E.O. Wilson used the term to describe the genetic drive to focus on and affiliate with nature and other life forms. Wilson described biophilia as “the rich, natural pleasure that comes from being surrounded by living organisms.”. This prompted researchers in a wide range of fields including the built environment to explore the phenomenon. It’s actually about humans as a species’ instinctual tendency to seek connections with nature that we evolved with.
I need to mention fractals, which are also well described in the book by Florence Williams. These are the repeating patterns we see in things, and in nature, they appear everywhere – plants, trees, coastlines, mountain ranges, the veins in leaves, clouds, snowflakes, shells and river patterns. Looking at fractals in nature has an almost instant calming effect on us. Looking at fractals can reduce stress levels by up to 60%, increase brain waves that help us feel good, and even reduce stress hormones like cortisol (Pearce, 2024).
The subtitle of The Nature Fix book is ‘why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative’. Just 15 minutes of being in nature helps reduce our blood pressure, slows our heart rate, and improves our mood. In Japan, there is actual forest medicine as a practice and ‘forest bathing’, which is time in nature, and recommended like a prescription for some health issues. Some researchers are looking at how our immune helper cells increasing in the presence of some forest smells. Some epidemiologists are finding in large-scale population data that the health of residents corresponds to how close they live to green space. Singapore has been well documented for being a ‘Green City’. They have planted green spaces on imported soil and spend $200 million per year on green spaces. With green walls, vertical farming and lavish parks, they are the top biophilic city in the world. Psychologists are also studying the benefits of being in nature and how that improves our cognitive abilities. That is game-changing in my mind. So going for a walk in the park could make me smarter! Sign me up on the regular for that one.
Why suggest spending time in nature for someone caught up in the day-to-day? Research tells us that chronic stress negatively impacts a myriad of physical and mental health issues. Whilst a bit of stress can keep us on our toes and motivated to get things done, it’s the repeated and chronic stress that can harm us. There are links between chronic stress and depression, burnout, and health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes due to inflammation. Looking after yourself and your health could be as simple as sitting in nature for 15 minutes a few times a week, according to ‘The Nature Fix’ book. When we are under more pressure, we need bigger doses of nature.
I was enjoying the summer break along with a whole lot of other people who were also seeking a connection with nature, as that is where people tend to go when they get annual vacation time. We seek out places that have green or blue trees or water. We are biologically driven to find calm and pleasure in green and blue spaces. So, I hope you get to enjoy some time in nature, whether it’s a walk in the local park, sitting under a tree, watching the waves, or even looking at the fractals in your office plant or the succulents at home.
Being able to rest and slow things down is key to being able to sustain our demanding lives and schedules. Time in nature can help replenish and restore, so make the time for yourself this year – schedule time in nature.
References:
- Pearce, K (9 March 2024) Fractals in Nature: develop your pattern recognition skills https://www.mindfulecotourism.com/fractals-in-nature/
- Sahakian, B.J., Langley, C. and Kaser, M., (12 March , 2020). How chronic stress changes the brain–and what you can do to reverse the damage. The Conversation https://theconversation.com/how-chronic-stress-changes-the-brain-and-what-you-can-do-to-reverse-the-damage-133194?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAt4C-BhBcEiwA8Kp0CeFoOgtPlSmDEz-LFAD2lMdPNwc-eBioNRXsrJ-xlYD0FUJm6x6KShoC32wQAvD_BwE
- Williams, F., 2017. The nature fix: Why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative. WW Norton & Company.
- Wilson, E.O., 1986. Biophilia. Harvard university press.
