Have you ever suddenly felt good after spending time outdoors in contact with nature? Has nature and its inhabitants been a source of inspiration, motivation, or relaxation for you? The emotional connection between humans and nature is known as biophilia. In this blog, we will explore how this relationship affects our physical and mental health.

In most modern civilizations, we experience nature in parks and gardens within cities, but easy access to natural environments such as forests, seas, mountains, coasts, lakes, and lagoons is becoming increasingly limited. Evolutionarily, humans have spent most of their time surrounded by and connected to nature, leading to a strong genetic affinity to interact with it, its biodiversity, and life itself. Researchers in the field assert that contact with nature is a human necessity that has been shown to contribute to better health.

At some point, we have all experienced well-being when engaging in activities directly involving nature. Therefore, disciplines such as natural medicine, biology, and psychology are conducting research to define the benefits of this wonderful connection and how it can serve as a powerful source to promote health, as well as prevent and treat certain diseases, with a recommended dose of at least two hours per week.

Benefits of Contact with Nature:

• Improves mood
• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces blood pressure
• Lowers heart rate
• Increases energy levels
• Reduces anxiety, depression, and anger
• Promotes relaxation
• Enhances cognitive function

This topic has gained so much importance that Japan has been a pioneer in implementing global programs to obtain the beneficial effects of nature. They are the creators of “Shinrin-yoku,” which translates to the practice of mindful engagement with the forest, also known as forest bathing, where people spend time in the forest in order to improve health, well-being, and happiness. In the same country, Akazawa Natural Recreation Forest is recognized as a therapeutic center. Following this initiative, other Eastern countries have also implemented similar programs.

Additionally, several cities have incorporated green corridors and walls into their urban landscapes. These are narrow strips of urban land designed with varied vegetation and different species of trees. Their purpose is to act as an extension of natural areas and connect green spaces in a city that would otherwise remain isolated.

How to Have Contact with Nature?

At Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic, we encourage you to benefit from contact with nature, either by visiting natural environments as much as possible or by exploring areas within the city such as parks, gardens, and rivers. For those who cannot access natural environments frequently, there are ways to incorporate biophilia into the home. Here are some alternatives:

• Incorporate a group of plants and/or a water feature somewhere in your home (windows, hallways, balconies, patio, etc.).
• Stimulate your senses with everything related to nature: 1) Occasionally listen to sounds of birds, rain, sea, wind, or others. 2) Decorate your spaces with colors and elements related to nature: pictures, wallpaper of a natural environment. 3) Connect with natural scents; seek aromas for your spaces like eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, pine, lavender, orange, mint, among others. 4) Surround yourself with elements made of stone or wood.