Nature Connectedness
by Tom Barron, Psychologist
Throughout history, humans have been undeniably entwined with nature. Our relationship with nature is crucial, as without nature, there is no ‘us’. We depend on it for everything, from the air we breathe to the water we drink.
Despite society gradually losing the sense of this special connection, it is still important for many people. Consider how you felt the last time you went for a walk to the beach, through the forest or out in the fields; it is something we are naturally inclined to do and enjoy. In fact, many studies have shown various health and mental health benefits, for children and adults, from spending time in nature.
It is easy for us to acknowledge the enjoyment and benefit we feel from simply being outside in nature. But psychologists have explored the unique relationship between nature and health. This has resulted in the development of the distinct psychological concept of “nature connectedness”. This captures the complexity and subjectivity of the relationship.
What Is Nature Connectedness?
Nature connectedness relates to an individual’s subjective sense of their relationship with the natural world. This goes beyond simply having contact with nature. It can be considered an aspect of a person’s personality. It encompasses individual differences in what people feel, think and experience in their sense of connection with the natural environment. The term was developed due to individuals commonly reporting that they feel emotionally close to, and an integral part of, nature.
What Are The Benefits?
We have already written about some of the mental health benefits of being outdoors in an earlier blog. Connecting with nature has further benefits.
One of the strongest psychological benefits related to nature connectedness is increased levels of happiness. One meta-analysis found that “the relationship appears to be positive and significant. In general, individuals who are more connected to nature tend to be happier”.
Research has also shown that being exposed to natural environments can:
Alleviate cognitive fatigue
Improve attention
Increase feelings of vitality
Furthermore, nature connectedness and mindfulness appear to be significantly related. Mindfulness has been found to decrease levels of:
And to increase:
This means nature connectedness has the potential to result in similar, beneficial health outcomes.
How can I become more Connected to Nature?
Make it Wild was set up primarily out of a love and respect for nature. Helen and Christopher were so concerned at seeing nature squeezed out of its rightful space, that they decided to buy land, to manage solely for the benefit of nature.
To help you become more connected with nature, Make it Wild offer Natural Mindfulness Walks. These are a perfect way to enhance your own nature connectedness. You can read more about them here.
We also have a range of woodland experiences listed here.
Sources and Suggested Further Reading
Using Nature and Outdoor Activity to Improve Children’s Health
Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing
The connectedness to nature scale: A measure of individuals’ feeling in community with nature
The Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: A Meta-analysis
Happiness is in our Nature: Exploring Nature Relatedness as a Contributor to Subjective Well-Being
The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: a meta-analysis
Nature connectedness: Associations with well-being and mindfulness
Happiness is in our Nature: Exploring Nature Relatedness as a Contributor to Subjective Well-Being
Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits: a meta-analysis
Mindfulness and its Relationship with Perceived Stress, Affect and Burnout in Elite Junior Athletes.