Biophilia refers to our human love for all things living, but more specifically, to the idea that we possess an innate (even genetic) inclination to want to be around living organisms & systems and that it makes us feel better.
The Cape to Cape track - Western Australia’s epic coastal trail offers a range of natural environments and wildflowers.
Since the term was popularised by Edward Wilson in the 1980s, there have been many studies into the positive effects that nature has on our wellbeing.
Do humans have an affinity and an innate tendency to feel better when they are affiliating with living organisms?
Yes! And it’s not just nature-loving, tree-hugging ‘hippies’ who think so.
Being in contact with nature makes us happy … Boranup Forest - southwest Australia
Numerous studies have concluded that being in contact with nature has strong positive physical & psychological effects. It makes sense, as a Japanese study on natural forest therapy points out, we have already spent almost 99.9% of our evolutionary history in natural settings. It’s only for a miniscule fraction of our existence that we have been industrialised and living in urban settings.
These positive effects include increased longevity, better physical health, mental recovery, increased focus and attention, positive thoughts and reduced stress. The reduction of stress is particularly important as stress is the cause of so many diseases and conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to depression to other autoimmune disorders.
Boranup Forest …. Karri, Marri, Jarrah, Grass Trees, Peppies … green living organisms all around
Another Chinese/Japanese study found that there were significant reductions in stressor markers when subjects spent time in nature as compared to urban settings. Including 12.4% reduction in cortisol levels, 7% decrease in sympathetic nervous activity (which alerts the body to respond to danger) 1.4 % decrease in blood pressure and 5.8 % decrease in heart rate.
In addition, the parasympathetic system function rose by 55% showing increased a relaxed state in participants.
In other words, stress can be relieved by being out in nature.
‘… exposure to natural stimuli can mediate the negative effect of stress reducing the negative mood state at the same time as enhancing positive emotions.’ (Berto, 2014)
Walking and spending time in nature may lead to longevity and healthier minds.
Another important positive effect of spending time in nature is the increase in Natural Killer cells and anticancer proteins with suggestions that walking through forests and other lush and natural environments can help in the prevention of cancer and other diseases. (Miyazaki, 2011)
The list of studies goes on, all supporting the central premise that generally, we not only feel better spending time amongst living organisms, but they lead to quantifiable improvements in physical and mental health issues.
But what exactly causes the benefit? This is still a mystery.
Is it the colours? The green in the leaves of the Karri trees or the grasses in our wetlands? The deep blues in the sky and ocean?
The deep red in the West Australian earth and rock, the diversity of colour in our flowers?
Ancient red rock in the Kalbarri National Park, Wester Australia
Or is it the sensations of the wind in our hair, sand between our toes, the sound of birds calling out, the taste of salt and fire? Or the patterns that we see in bark and granite; in shells and fish, intricate yet familiar?
Are we really genetically programmed to be at one with nature?
But do your own research:
How do you feel when you are driving around a multi-storey car park, sitting in an airconditioned, neon-lit office, a supermarket?
How do you feel when you are out in the garden, dipping your feet in the ocean, walking among trees?
The deep turquoise blue of the Indian Ocean - Boranup Beach
As we celebrate Earth Day once again during this time of Covid-19 pandemic I invite everyone reading this to reflect on how our urban and industrial environments are making us sick and how a simple stroll on a park, in a forest, on a beach, in a garden, or a simple grouping of pot plants in a corner can have such a positive effect on how we feel and on our mental and physical wellbeing.