Psychological Impact
We all instinctively know what a walk outside on a beautiful day does for our mood. It turns out there are numerous studies that support the connection between the beauty of nature and emotional well-being. According to J. Nurse from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, (who recently conducted a study on the mental health impacts of climate change), “Evidence, from psychology and neuroscience, suggests that the perception of being disconnected from our inner selves, from each other and from our environment has contributed to poor mental and physical health.”
The hypothesis that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems is referred to as the BIOPHILIA hypothesis. This idea was introduced and popularized by Edward O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia. Biophilia can be defined as a love of life and the living world; the affinity of human beings for other life forms.
The hypothesis that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems is referred to as the BIOPHILIA hypothesis. This idea was introduced and popularized by Edward O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia. Biophilia can be defined as a love of life and the living world; the affinity of human beings for other life forms.
An affinity for the natural world can be seen throughout human history from the tomb paintings from ancient Egypt that show how people brought plants into their homes 2,000 years ago, to the first monastic hospitals in Europe where a garden was considered an essential part of the healing process, to modern times where parks and natural elements are incorporated into the most urban settings.
In another study done in the UK, the reported psychological effects of outings to public parks were measured. According to the study participants, they felt better after a walk in parks that featured greater diversity of plants and organisms than those who took walks in places with less biodiversity. Something in us is hardwired to respond not only to nature itself but a natural environment that is thriving.
In another study done in the UK, the reported psychological effects of outings to public parks were measured. According to the study participants, they felt better after a walk in parks that featured greater diversity of plants and organisms than those who took walks in places with less biodiversity. Something in us is hardwired to respond not only to nature itself but a natural environment that is thriving.