Nature’s Influence on health and happiness: a deeper look

Dr Rukhsana Ahmed

From time immemorial humans have had a connection with nature. The bright and blue skies above, the vast expanse of oceans below, combined with the stretch of green forests, nature offers tranquility for the human spirit. Beyond its beauty, nature plays a profound role in our health, and mental well-being and impacts our overall happiness.

The natural environment has a crucial role in improving our physical health. The presence of trees and plants helps purify the atmosphere, reducing pollutants that can cause respiratory problems. The trees emit phytoncides, an organic compound that has been shown to increase the activities of cells in our body that play a significant role in fighting off infections and cancer. Spending time outdoors therefore can help boost our immunity, while exposure to green spaces is known to lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. 

The terrains of nature are another important source for improving our lifestyle-related illnesses. Within our environment, there are ample natural spaces for physical activities. Outdoor activities like hiking, running, or a walk in the park are enjoyable and easy ways to stay active. Evidence shows that these types of activities are vital to reducing the risk of conditions like obesity, type-2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Besides, outdoor exposure provides sunlight, which is a natural source of Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for our bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Considering the benefits of nature to our health, engaging in nature is vital for promoting optimal health.

The aesthetic appeal of nature has a calming effect on our minds and improves mental well-being. Studies have shown that cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, is reduced by spending time in nature and helps alleviate stress and anxiety. The beauty of nature with its sights and smells creates a serene environment that helps reduce mental fatigue and improves attention, memory, and overall cognitive performance. The tranquility of the natural setting in turn is ideal to foster mindfulness and promote creativity and mental clarity.

Natural settings have another important aspect in encouraging social connectivity and community well-being. Spaces like parks and gardens serve as areas for people to come together, engage in fun activities, and develop social bonding. There is strong evidence showing links between social connections and improved mental health and longevity. Besides, these natural spaces provide areas where people can gather and develop social interactions, which promotes community cohesion. Spending more time in nature encourages people to become environmentally friendly and develop practices that help to sustain nature and contribute to their overall well-being.

Undeniably nature provides visual pleasures that have many positive effects on our happiness. The radiant colors of blooming flowers and their fresh fragrance in the air stimulate our senses. These stimulations from nature induce feelings of joy breaking the claustrophobic exhaustion evoked by urban settings. The majestic beauty of nature often becomes an inspiring environment for artists and writers to fulfill their creative expressions.

For many individuals’ nature serves as a source for pursuing their hobbies. Activities such as gardening, fishing, and scenic photography allow individuals to connect with nature and enhance their sense of time spent in meaningful ways. The tranquility of nature also provides a setting for promoting inner peace and harmony contributing to emotional well-being and happiness.

There are also several nature-based therapies that invoke a sense of healing and happiness in humans. Therapies such as ecotherapy, nature walks, and wilderness therapies in which humans closely engage with nature help them to overcome symptoms of depression and anxiety. Team building exercises that use natural settings, and the likes of camping activities contribute to promoting resilience and enhancing positive emotions. 

The role of the natural environment in human well-being is well described. It is further elaborated by the “biophilia” concept which suggests that the human affinity for nature stems from our evolutionary history. Nature undoubtedly is essential for human wellness and survival. The hues of nature with its green fields, blue waters, and colorful landscapes promote human joy, and serenity and boost overall happiness. In an ever-evolving urbanized world, it is vital to recognize the power of nature on human healing and contentment. Engaging in nature is extremely vital for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Therefore, despite busy schedules, let us practice a habit of stepping outside the concrete structures, breathing fresh air, absorbing the majestic beauty nature offers, and letting it cleanse our soul and improve our health, happiness, and longevity