Nature Connection Articles
Our Most Recent Articles
What can we Learn about Nature Connection from Indigenous Australian Cultures?
Indigenous Australians have had a long-standing relationship with the land and everything that exists on the land, that stretches far back into history and is based on respect, knowledge, and harmony. Aboriginal and Indigenous cultures have always understood that the land provides all of their necessary resources, and so these resources must be stewarded carefully in order to ensure that these supplies will not diminish.
The Health Benefits of Walking in Nature
Walking in nature has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Studies have also found that spending time in nature can boost the immune system and improve overall well-being. Additionally, walking in nature can improve focus and concentration, and may even be beneficial for people with conditions such as ADHD.
Nature Connection and Wellbeing
Research published in the journal Nature, shows that people who spend at least 120 minutes in nature each week are significantly more likely to report higher psychological well-being than those who don't visit nature at all during an average week. This post explores this, and suggests ways to easily and enjoyably connect with nature for two hours a week.
Me and Nature. An autist’s connection to Nature
Autism and Nature - a connection that some have said is stronger in autistic people than in neurotypical people. Others say that it’s the sensory input imbalance that neurodivergent people often experience that makes a connection with Nature stronger and more profound once you find it. Others yet point to the many studies showing that everyone, no matter how your brain is wired, benefit from being in and close to Nature.
The Theories Underpinning Forest Bathing and Nature-Connection
There are a variety of theories that underpin and support the proposals that Forest Bathing and Nature-Connection activities have beneficial effects on psychological and physical wellbeing. These theories include the Biophilia Hypothesis, Attention Restoration Theory, and Psychophysiological Stress Recovery Theory.
Forest Bathing and Mindfulness
Forest Bathing is often referred to as a ‘nature-mindfulness’ practice in which people are encouraged to ‘mindfully take in their environment using their different senses’ but there are a number of characteristics that differentiate Forest Bathing from Mindfulness, as described here.
What is Nature Connection?
Many people instinctively know that being in nature is good for us, and research backs this up, showing that people who are more ‘connected’ with nature often report greater life satisfaction; lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression; and greater levels of emotional and mental wellbeing. But what is ‘Nature Connection’
Nature connection is much more than just being in nature or exposed to nature, it is about really tuning in to your surroundings and noticing what is happening around you.