Opinion

Some time ago I read in the press a story of hope, one of those that from time to time gives us a break in the face of so much topicality. Someone, broken by life, embarked on a multi-year journey through a natural environment of great beauty, hoping that the experience would help him heal. Several years later, his particular odyssey had allowed him to put himself back together, rebuild his life and restore his family ties.

It is possible that whoever reads these lines knows similar stories, or examples with which it has some parallels. There are collectives in different countries around the world that work for the social inclusion of people through physical activity, reflection and education in unique natural environments, of which we have some very close examples. In another context, forest bathing has recently spread and become popular in several countries as an effective practice for taking care of our health and well-being. Surely, too, many of us have resorted at some point to a well-known trail or our favorite park, looking to escape from routines or worries, to feel refreshed after a while. Perhaps, on some occasion, contemplating a starry sky, a sunrise, or sheltered under a majestic tree, we have felt moved or especially connected to life.

What is it about nature, in the presence of natural elements, that makes us feel good? Or rather, what is it about us that makes it possible for the natural environment to have that effect?

The biophilia hypothesis holds that humans possess an instinctive affinity for nature, a love of life defined by our "innate tendency to seek connections with the natural environment and other forms of life." The interaction with the environment during our evolutionary process would have led us to develop innate physiological, emotional and behavioural responses to certain environmental stimuli, which can be modulated by cultural factors and individual experiences. In general terms, he argues, we would be adapted to develop in a natural environment and under natural influences. However, our technological and social development, although it has made it possible for us to meet our needs and extend our life expectancy in a way never seen before, has also led us to favor environments and lifestyles that are far from this hypothetical biological framework and that have negative impacts on our health.

Numerous studies show that exposure to natural stimuli and contact with nature can contribute to improving our health and well-being. These benefits would be produced by direct stimulation of our body, by the absence in nature of factors that have a negative impact on our health, and by the promotion of healthy lifestyles associated with physical activity and social interaction. Proven physiological benefits include improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, pain relief, immune system support, and improved sleep quality. In terms of mental health, it has been observed that such contact promotes positive moods and reduces negative ones, decreases stress, anxiety and aggressiveness and increases sociability. The feeling of connection to nature and the frequency of visits to natural environments are related to a greater sense of well-being and better overall mental health. Some recent proposals, such as prescribed forest therapy, could be effective in the care of certain mental disorders.

Immersion in nature would also bring cognitive benefits, by favoring the restoration of processes fatigued by states of constant attention and vigilance. It has been found, for example, that it promotes creativity and strengthens working memory and concentration. Likewise, some experiences suggest that it promotes prosocial behaviors, such as altruism and cooperation, which the authors attribute to an increased sense of self-transcendence: the beauty perceived when immersing ourselves in the natural world could induce in us a sense of deep connection with those close to us and with other elements on a larger scale than ourselves and the group to which we belong.

In the natural environment, we have at our disposal an accessible and effective means with which to contribute to the care and promotion of our health and well-being, which may be able to promote social cohesion and inspire prosocial attitudes and behaviours, which will benefit everyone. What we learn about our bond seems to offer another opportunity to reflect on our technological, social and territorial development, and to rethink the spaces we inhabit and the way in which we do so, the benefits of which make our societies more respectful of our own nature and, precisely for this reason, more sustainable and resilient.