The Positive vibes of Nature and Mental Wellbeing

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home”

                                                                                                      -Mary Davis

 

There is no wonder that nature is beneficial to our mental health; however, the fascination lies in knowing how nature creates a positive aura around us.

A gentle walk through the park or a day-out in beach or gardening or any other activity in the lap of nature can significantly boost our emotions, make us feel happier and calm our mind. These feelings are not just a state of mind of an individual but something that most of us experienced in the company of nature.

The growing framework of pragmatic evidence exhibited the need for tandem exposure of man to nature, as it not only boosts one's mood but also stabilizes pulse rate and cholesterols, and improves the immune system as well. Many studies conducted on analyzing the role of nature in human wellbeing have considerably pointed toward the positive effects of nature on mental health. 

 

A pioneering study conducted in Serbia in collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry, Institute of Mental Health and Botanical Garden in Belgrade, have revealed the rejuvenation from stress, depression, and anxiety among the participants associated with horticultural practices as a nature-based solution. A similar study conducted on 20,000 participants also precluded that natural environment endorse higher life satisfaction than build environments. A 2011 meta-analysis involving 850 student participants showed exercising in an open area resulted in a better feeling of revitalization, that doing the same activities indoor. Further, it was revealed in a 2012 study that a walk of 50 minutes in the gardens or parks cures depression in 20 patients. Even those suffering from schizophrenia or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), common among urban lifestyle, are benefited by being with nature.

 

But how nature actually designs the shell of positivity around us?

It is tricky to answer the exact reason but certainly there need to be some. Psychologists often argue on various opportunities like exercising, horticulture, social connectivity, scenery and even interaction with animals that nature facilitates, being the actual key of mental wellbeing, whereas some believe in other evolutionary hypotheses. 

Two hypotheses i.e. Hypothesis of Biophilia and Psychoevolutionary Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), explained our innate love for natural spaces. It is believed that the attachment of our ancestors with forests and other natural spaces for survival has remained within us despite socio-cultural reforms. The happiness and relief felt by the ancestors upon encountering a forest with adequate food, water, and woods, are somewhat ingrained in us. However, today the entities of satisfaction while experiencing the nature are different.

On the other hand, the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), suggested that natural spaces genuinely with lower buzz relax our mind, reduced cortisol level, and lower stress. This hypothesis describes the role of nature in curing Directed Attention Fatigue, a problem encountered in urban where we cannot concentrate on a particular thing or activity, as so much is happening around us. The split of concentration, and constant tussle to focus, resulting in stress that over time cumulate as various mental ailments.

Although, it’s true that none of these hypotheses can be proved, yet there is no doubt that time with nature is valuable and possess a beneficial effect on our brain. Recognizing these facts many modern cities have developed tree lines on streets or green zone and parks where residents can associate themselves with the essence of nature.

 

Today when the COVID-19 pandemic had pushed us into our homes, and we are reluctant to enjoy nature outside, I sit back and look behind on the days when we are exploiting nature.

At times I wonder, will the atrocities of the human world on nature will resume after the pandemic or will we join hands in saving the environment?

 

Nature, like a very dear friend, has enormous dimensions to confer our wellbeing, only if we share the love and affection with it.