Nature & Mental Health: Coming Back Home

Sep 18

Have you ever noticed the calming effect of simply watching trees sway in the wind? That moment of stillness is more than just nice—it speaks to something deeply human about our connection with nature.

Modern life has given us many conveniences, but it has also pulled us away from the natural environments we evolved in. Two-thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in cities by 2050. Our cities are incredible achievements, but the shift from green fields to grey buildings has real consequences. Spending most of our days indoors, under artificial light, often without even a window, has left many of us feeling disconnected—not only from each other, but also from the natural world.

Psychologist Richard Louv (2005) called this Nature Deficit Disorder—the psychological and health costs of becoming estranged from nature. And this “deficit” has only deepened with our increasing reliance on screens. As our screen time goes up, our green time goes down, and we often feel the effects in our bodies and minds: higher stress, lower energy, and a reduced sense of connection.

Why Nature Matters for Mental Health

We are wired for nature. Humans have spent nearly all of our history living in natural environments, and when we are cut off from them, many of us feel a sense that something essential is missing.

The research is clear and consistent: spending time in nature acts like a health tonic and psychological buffer.

Research also shows a strong link between nature connectedness and eudaimonic well-being, which is a form of deep contentment through finding a sense of purpose and meaning.

Nature Connection Directly Increases Happiness: feeling connected to nature is a significant predictor of happiness, even when controlling for general social connectedness.

What’s more , nature mitigates Effects of Social Isolation: research indicates that individuals with low social connections but high engagement with nature report higher well-being, suggesting nature can buffer against the negative impacts of social isolation.

Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments can:

Lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels
Reduce anxiety, depression, and aggression
Improve mood and self-esteem
Enhance attention and focus (including ADHD symptoms)
Decrease nervous system arousal
Strengthen the immune system
Promote prosocial behaviour and empathy
Increase overall well-being

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) also highlights that nature exposure reduces stress, fosters social connection, enhances resilience, and improves cognitive functioning. This isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about mental health in the most fundamental sense.

One large study (White, 2019) found that just two hours per week in nature was enough to significantly improve health and well-being, across all ages, incomes, and health backgrounds. Less than that, and the benefits dropped away.

Nature as a Privilege

Unfortunately, access to nature is not equal. Green and blue spaces are often commodified, and many people live and work in environments that allow little contact with the outdoors. For some, even a window with natural light feels like a luxury.

This inequity matters. Research points in one direction: nature is not just “nice to have,” it’s a necessity for physical health and cognitive function (White, 2019). As urbanization continues, the absence of green space can act almost like a hidden pathology, cutting us off from an essential part of ourselves.

What We Can Do

Even small efforts can help us reconnect:

Bring plants indoors – into your home or workspace
Visual reminders – hang pictures or artwork of landscapes and natural scenes
Step outside daily – even for a few minutes of fresh air or sunlight
Use your senses – listen to nature sounds, like waves or birdsong; smell fresh soil, grass, or flowers
Visit local parks – green and blue spaces in cities are vital for well-being
Ground yourself – walk barefoot on grass, touch the soil, or even hug a tree. Simple physical contact with the natural world can help recenter the nervous system.
Try forest bathing – a practice that encourages slowing down and mindfully immersing yourself in a natural setting.

These may sound small, but the science shows they have measurable impacts.

Awe, Connection, and Meaning

Spending time in nature doesn’t just calm the body—it expands the mind. Many people describe experiencing awe when surrounded by forests, oceans, or mountains. Psychologists call this eudaimonic well-being—a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to something larger than ourselves.

Even simulated nature, such as listening to bird sounds or watching a video of waves, can improve mood and focus. But researchers like Kahn caution that this is only a partial substitute: “That’s important, but it’s an impoverished view of what it means to interact with the natural world. We need deeper, more immersive experiences.”

Interestingly, even in psychedelic therapy research, people often report visions of nature—trees, rivers, animals, and landscapes. Perhaps this reflects our psyche’s yearning and innate longing to return to the environments that shaped us for millennia.

Coming Back Home

We’ve written many times in these blogs about the benefits of nature for mental health, because it is a theme that keeps coming up. We are a part of nature, yet modern life has distanced us from it. The science is clear: nature reduces stress, improves mood, builds resilience, and helps us feel more connected.

Nature is not a luxury. It is medicine for the mind and body. And while access is not always equal, even small, intentional practices—stepping outside, grounding yourself, bringing nature into your spaces—can begin to restore that vital connection.

Nature is calling us back—not to something new, but to the place we have always known.

Takeaway

Modern life may have distanced us from nature, but we don’t need to move to the wilderness to restore the connection. Just two hours a week outdoors, small daily rituals, or even mindful moments with plants, sunlight, or fresh air can support mental health. Nature isn’t optional—it’s essential.

📚 Want to Explore More?

Dordana Hakimzadah