Nurtured by Nature

By Rob Henderson, LASUDC, CTRS

Interacting with Nature Benefits the Body and Mind

The Biophilia Hypothesis is a theory that states that humans not only enjoy nature and life-like processes, we also have a strong genetic yearning and attraction to them. Case in point: think about the photos, artwork, and wallpaper that adorn our homes and electronic devices. Many of these are expressions of nature, often in the form of striking landscapes or flora and fauna. Also, think about our dwellings and how highly we value homes with scenic vistas and natural surroundings. (Oh, how southern Utah spoils us in this area.)

Take biophilia as a concept to the next level and you get ecopsychology, which studies the interaction between nature and human well-being (and vice versa: the impact of human well-being on nature). Ecopsychologists have found that we not only innately love Mother Nature, we essentially require frequent connections with her in order to maintain positive psychology and mental wellness. People who spend time outside and who engage with nature several times per week feel more emotionally stable, are kinder, and are more creative, resilient, and grateful. They also report being more spiritually connected.

On the other hand, we’re seeing several negative psychological effects emerge as people in our country tend to watch more TV in a day than they spend outside and prefer theme and amusement parks over state and national parks. Nature deficiency, in its many forms, has been linked to a long list of mental suffering and unhealthy mindsets, including addictive behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger, rumination, and self-loathing. It’s like our minds are having an allergic reaction to spending too much time in unnatural and artificial environments.

As a dually licensed addiction and recreation therapist, I have seen the connection between nature and mental wellness firsthand, which is why nature and adventure are at the forefront of my private practice and my go-to interventions and modalities. As my therapy groups venture out into the backcountry, even just for an afternoon, they almost inevitably report positive psychological outcomes, like feeling uplifted, clearerheaded, and de-stressed. They also experience other significant mental reliefs, like not having to fight with cravings or perseverating thoughts. These benefits were summarized in a few profound words by a former client who had just reached the summit after a grueling hike: “Who’da thought there were other ways to get high!”

So on our journey to individual and relational health and wellness, consider asking these questions: When was the last time I (we) felt awe and wonder at nature? How long has it been since I (we) encountered an animal in the wild or an incredible force of nature? Have I (we) slept under the night sky or taken a scenic drive away from the city lately?

If you can answer yes to these questions, kudos! Keep it up. If you’re realizing that your time has become hijacked by the unnatural and artificial environments that surround us, don’t fret. Course correct by treating your mind (and perhaps the minds of your crew, too) to an outdoor adventure where you can release your inner wild!

Additional Resource

For parents and educators: www.childrenandnature.org For couples and clinicians: The Gottman Institute’s Relationship Growth Happens in Nature

About the Author

Rob Henderson is dually licensed in addiction counseling and recreation/experiential therapy and is a Wilderness First Responder. In addition to therapy, he specializes in leisure and outdoor education, youth and family development, and parenting. He is most known for his ability to integrate play and a variety of adventures and backcountry pursuits into his private practice as well as with his family. Visit www. ARETherapy.com to learn more.