Why Is It Important To Foster Our Connection To Nature?
- Daniel Antcliff
- Jun 15, 2023
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2025
"It is critical that our pursuit of optimal health and longevity begin with an effort toward a collective rise in consciousness such that we would begin to thrive within nature, instead of fighting that nature that is life itself." ― Zach Bush, MD
Introduction | Biophilia | Humans And Nature | Role In Nature | Health Benefits | Habits | More Nature | Final Thoughts | Takeaway Points | References | Disclaimer
Introduction
Many people believe that spending time in nature improves health. Outdoor time has been associated with both physical and mental health benefits, but science shows that it enhances our social health as well. The human-nature relationship is based on instinct. This instinct is ingrained in our DNA. Although anthropocentric and exemptionalistic viewpoints have redefined our place in nature, we are in fact an essential component of a global ecosystem. To restore existential balance, we must recognize the importance of our participation in the natural world as intended.
What is biophilia?
The term "biophilia" is derived from the Greek words for "life" [bio] and "love" [philia], which together mean "love of life." It was first used by Erich Fromm, who defined it as “love for humanity and nature”[1]. Biophilia describes a human's innate predisposition to love and seek connection with living things and the natural world. It is an instinct that is ingrained in our genetic makeup[2]. Later on, two scholars, Stephen R. Kellert and Edward O. Wilson[3], hypothesized that human dependency on the natural world is meant not only to sustain us physically and support our survival but also to enrich our existence and fulfill our needs for intellectual, cognitive, spiritual, and aesthetic meaning. As a result, the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of humans depends critically on our relationships with nature around us.
Human beings are a part of nature
Because of our biological nature, we are an integral part of Earth's ecological system. John Vucetich, a professor at Michigan Technological University, described human participation in the ecosystem in the following way:
"We are one and the same. In fact, humans and nature are so intimately connected that acting as if we are separate and abusing nature is tantamount to abusing ourselves."[4]
However, after hundreds of years of progress in science, technology, and intellectual advancements, as well as a shift in our collective consciousness, we have become increasingly estranged from Earth's natural environment. Western culture has shifted to embrace views that are both anthropocentric, which prioritizes human interests, and exceptionalistic, which sees humans as exempt from natural forces. An anthropocentric perspective fosters the belief that humans are inherently superior to every other species on Earth. The exceptionalistic view, on the other hand, considers humans to be "exempt" from natural forces because of their superior adaptability thanks to cultural evolution. As a result, we have isolated ourselves, urbanized our living areas, and walled them off with brick walls. Despite our evolution in the vast outdoors, we have evolved into creatures who prefer the indoors, seek comfort in our private homes, and exploit nature instead of enjoying and participating in it. By removing ourselves from the equation, we have destroyed the harmony that once served as the foundation of our existence.
Our role in nature
Defining humans' role in nature and the surrounding global ecosystem can be challenging. If we don't maintain a certain awareness that everything we do and the decisions we make affect our natural surroundings, our relationship with the natural world tends to become more parasitic than symbiotic. Our species is accustomed to scavenging the environment for whatever we need to advance civilization. We must learn to provide back as much as we can. Morality and acknowledging our coexistence with the natural world are crucial. As a result, human interaction with the natural world should be centered on fostering a respectful relationship that protects and restores the environment whenever we deplete it of resources. Take soil as an illustration. Large-scale monocultures, the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides, chemical fertilizers, soil erosion, and other factors all reduce the soil's condition. As a result, we grow crops of lesser quality and decrease their nutrient density. It is crucial to understand that increasing crop diversity, using natural fertilizers, and using environmentally friendly pest control techniques will not only help to regenerate the natural ecosystem but will also significantly raise the quality [nutrient density] of our food. Additionally, healthier food promotes wellness. It is important to never underestimate the impact of our environmental care and our relationship with nature on our health.
Connection with nature and its health benefits
We have established the fact that many of us seek proximity with the natural world because it is ingrained in our genes. Furthermore, if we encourage a worldview where human beings are a part of the global ecosystem, participate in it, and acknowledge that whatever we do to the environment can have consequences for our existence, it will make the connection between nature and our health much clearer. In fact, these two then become inseparable. Scientists have also looked into the impact of our interactions with the natural world on our physical, mental, and social health.
Physical Health
daylight exposure improves sleep patterns and circadian rhythm[5]
forest bathing reduces blood pressure[9] and boosts the immune system[10]
green scenery speeds up postsurgery recovery[11]
access to greenery promotes physical activity[14] and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease[15]
green environments are connected with healthier pregnancy and maternal health[18]
Mental Health
daylight exposure improves mood, alertness, and cognition[5]
wetland-nature interaction improves the symptoms of depression and anxiety[7]
nature exposure reduces stress levels[8]
nature exposure boosts mental well-being in children and adolescents[12]
regular nature interaction improves behavior and ADHD symptoms in children[13]
Social Health
The above-mentioned health outcomes of our exposure to nature focus only on the aspect of human access to green areas and our passive interaction with them. However, if we look deeper into this topic and engage in more proactive interactions such as farming, reforestation, landscape restoration and preservation, soil and water cleanliness, diminishing air pollution, and so on, the health benefits brought on by such actions are even more profound.
Changing habits
It has been shown that spending as little as 120 minutes (2 hours) a week in nature has positive health outcomes[21]. It means that, on average, we need to allocate 17–18 minutes every day for a walk in a park to boost our health. And yet many adults report that they spend 10 minutes or less interacting with their natural environment[22]. It does not come from a lack of recognition of the importance of nature in our lives but rather from the fact that previously, being outdoors delivered different forms of entertainment. Nowadays, current technologies, namely television, the internet, game consoles, cinemas, etc., have become primary sources of entertainment in our lives and replaced many outdoor activities with indoor ones. Additionally, our fast-paced lives, especially in cities, filled our time with multiple tasks and obligations, limiting our mental and physical capacity for remembering what was truly important for us to thrive. Lastly, we have become a comfort-seeking and challenge-avoidant species. We are more likely to go outside in pleasant weather conditions, and we avoid the weather-related discomfort of rain, snow, and cold. We hide behind the brick walls whenever we feel it will benefit our feelings of comfort. Humans are habitual creatures. And we have the power to change our routines if they don't benefit our existence. Coming to terms with the idea that we are natural creatures and that we need to spend time outside connecting with our natural environment is a first step towards meeting our basic needs. Making some adjustments to our lives' priorities and emphasizing things that enhance our existence can impact our physical, mental, and social health.
Incorporating more nature-based interaction in our lives
Some people have a more ingrained need for interaction with nature than others. They feel strongly about spending time in green outdoor areas and seek proximity to the natural environment, regardless of their circumstances. But for many, remembering to get daily fresh air is more of a challenge and a bigger adjustment. A few steps and ideas can help us increase our outdoor time every day, considering how important it is to participate in the natural world that surrounds us.
Identify green areas in the closest proximity to your home, work, or school. It will make it easier to spend time outside if you don't need to travel far to reach them.
Find an outdoor activity that will bring you the most joy and motivate you to stay outside. It can be a sport, a walk, a bike ride, group gatherings, yoga practices, boot camps, etc. You can opt for a picnic and have your lunch in the park, grab a coffee in a local coffee shop and drink it sitting on a bench, or take your dog for a walk.
Don't let the weather discourage you. Dress appropriately, and make the most of your time.
Use your spare time to explore nature. If you live in an urban area, make trips outside of the city to enjoy the natural landscapes surrounding it. Research, visit, and find your favorite spots.
Take time out of your holiday plans to schedule some nature escapes and explore different habitats and environments. It will make you feel so much more relaxed and rejuvenated if you spend your vacation in a place with a lot of greenery.
Final Thoughts
People are genetically predisposed to seek out and engage in interactions with the natural world. However, our anthropocentric and exceptionalistic views have changed how we perceive the proper human-nature relationship. Our strategies and methods for dealing with the natural environment around us have undergone significant changes as a result. It is most obvious in large contemporary urban areas, where people are most disengaged and unaware of the role they should play in it. Recognizing that we depend on nature for our existence is the first step in reestablishing a proper connection with it. Expanding on this concept and spending more time outside are the first actions we need to take. There are health advantages to increasing our outdoor time and making it a regular and, ideally, daily practice. If we alter some of our routines and prioritize getting outside in the fresh air, various aspects of our physical, mental, and social health can be significantly improved.
Takeaway Points
Biophilia is a "love of life" and refers to humans' natural predisposition to seek proximity with the environment for a number of reasons.
Human beings are an integral part of the global ecosystem.
Anthropocentric and exemptionalistic views promote our disconnect from the natural world.
Our relationship with the environment and how we participate in it impact our physical, mental, and social health.
Regular interaction with nature promotes health and overall well-being.
As little as 17 minutes a day spent outside can boost our health.
Increasing the time we spend in green areas is a fundamental need that has to be fulfilled.
References
This article contains 22 citations:
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