Nurtured by Nature

LiveMore ScreenLess’ Summary

Three possible theories as to why nature is so helpful to humans: 

1. The biophilia hypothesis argues that since our ancestors evolved in wild settings and relied on the environment for survival, we have an innate drive to connect with nature. 
2. The stress reduction hypothesis posits that spending time in nature triggers a physiological response that lowers stress levels. 
3. A third idea, attention restoration theory, holds that nature replenishes one’s cognitive resources, restoring the ability to concentrate and pay attention.

Involvement in nature can a multi-faceted experience. While immersion in nature is best, even the sight of greenery and nature sounds help improve cognition and focus. Breaks from desk work and schools with views of green space do better in studies. 

And while spending time in nature has cognitive benefits,  it also has emotional and existential benefit.

In Denmark, researchers used satellite data to assess people’s exposure to green space from birth to age 10. The researchers examined data from more than 900,000 residents born between 1985 and 2003. They found that children who lived in neighborhoods with more green space had a reduced risk of many psychiatric disorders later in life, including depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and substance use disorder. For those with the lowest levels of green space exposure during childhood, the risk of developing mental illness was 55% higher.

Weir, Kirsten. Nurtured by nature. American Psychological Association. Date created: April 1, 2020. Vol. 51, No. 3