Ever wondered why our average pharmacy sign is green? Why is it that we constantly fantasise about moving to a cottage in the woods in the event of stress? Lastly, how come we focus on reading our book better when we are in the park or by the sea? These questions might seem out of the left field, however, further reflection may be called for… There exists a popular tendency among humans to attribute healing and calming properties to nature, in other words, to have positive associations with it. Nature to us is a sublime force, however, one we, culturally and historically, have been losing touch with. Might the key to mental and emotional well-being lie in the reconnection to nature that most modern individuals so desire?
We are descendant of species who evolved into humans, our current form, pretty much in complete wilderness. A niche of scientific research posits that nature-craving is a biological instinct spanning from our pre-historic heritage. Two major theories exploring the benefits of nature to well-being build on the formerly presented hypothesis. The first theory is the Attention Restoration Theory composed of the following: the brain holds limited concentration capacity which, exhausted by the challenges of the modern lifestyle, can come to be restored and improved by being in nature. Our next study referred to as Stress Reduction Theory describes the restorative properties that quality outdoor time has on our nervous system, setting off certain neural processes that create the feelings of calm and ease. Furthermore, there have been numerous popular experimental studies that involved two focus groups – one completing certain tasks in an environment with natural visual or auditory stimuli (e.g. window looking out onto a green space; the sound of birds chirping), and the other with no such conditions performing the task with a decreased rate of success in comparison to the first group. The notions introduced by the studies reinforce an innate strive for connection with nature that our organism seems to exhibit and perform better as a result of.
Symphonious with rigid scientific data, research exploring the link between nature and mental well-being tends to recognize the subjective phenomenality of the matter. A quote from Cynthia Frantz, a professor of psychology and environmental studies at Oberlin College in Ohio, also highlighted in
Kristen Weir’s article for American Psychological Association, addresses the occurance in the following manner: “Spending time in nature has cognitive benefits, but it also has emotional and existential benefits that go beyond just being able to solve arithmetic problems more quickly”. Indeed in the discussion of such subtleties, we may consider our personal experience of nature as an instrument for discovery, contemplation, and reflection. It has been found that individuals living in environments with increased natural exposure levels, are not only physically healthier but perceive themselves to have a distinct purpose and meaning in life. Undoubtedly, this effect displays some metaphysical character that would be tricky to measure. However, the notion of acknowledging it adds an intimate touch to our study, in alignment with the sentimentality that the subject of nature undeniably carries for many of us.
A simple solution to the issue of nature deficit in our modern, often urban, routine is making time for ourselves to enjoy whatever green space is available to us daily. A ten-minute walk in the park in the middle of our busy working day, as studies have relentlessly shown, can significantly improve our cognitive function and serve as an ultimate “Restart button” for our brain.