Spending time in nature isn’t just nice, it’s genuinely good for us. A growing body of research shows that being outdoors can boost our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing. In fact, the World Health Organization even described nature as “our greatest source of health and wellbeing.”
When I talk about “nature”, I mean it in the broadest sense. Everything from your local park or garden, to woodlands, hills, and wild open spaces. Whether it's tending to your indoor plants, a quiet walk through the trees or a weekend in the mountains, it all counts.
So why does nature have such a powerful impact on us?
There are three main ideas that help explain it:
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Biophilia Hypothesis – This idea suggests we have an innate connection to nature and living things. Being outdoors can lift our mood and ease negative feelings just by reconnecting us to something fundamental and life-giving.
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Stress Recovery Theory – Everyday natural settings, like trees, water, or greenery, help us recover from stress. Even a short time in nature can have a calming effect.
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Attention Restoration Theory – Nature gently captures our attention without demanding too much from us, helping to restore our mental energy. It gives our minds a break from the constant focus and pressure of modern life.
These theories don’t stand alone. They often work together. For example, research has shown that people who feel more drawn to nature not only seek out more enriching environments, but also find them more restorative. In other words, how we feel about nature can shape how we experience it.
Ultimately, the way we connect with the outdoors can influence how we use it and how deeply it supports our wellbeing.