Man is an inseparable part of nature. We come from it and depend on it to survive as a species, both physically and mentally.
Since we appeared on our planet as a species several hundred thousand years ago, we have mainly lived in small communities in a natural environment. Those communities provided shelter and safety, and nature provided food.
However, from a few hundred years ago, we have increasingly moved to live in an urban environment, and little by little we distanced ourselves from nature. Half of the world’s population now lives in cities, and that trend will only continue for the time being.
This social (r)evolution has gone by an enormous factor faster than the neurological one, that of the development of our brain. It is therefore becoming increasingly apparent that we as a species are not ready for that at all. In that respect, we are still just forest dwellers.
In more and more scientific studies from all over the world[1] clearly shows what happens (measurably) to our brain and body when we return to a natural environment. The brain comes to rest, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Physical healing processes start more easily and proceed more quickly. Because we feel more ‘at home’, we are less stimulated and tense, we are open to new experiences and we are noticeably more creative.
Unconsciously we use this by going out into nature in our free time. Winter sports, water sports, a cottage on the Veluwe or simply a wonderful beach holiday prove to be an adequate means of recharging the battery. And if it all has to be a bit shorter, we jump on our bikes, go for a walk or laze around in a park.
In short; being outside is good for us. Good for our brain, good for our body and also good for the mutual relationships of the groups with which we go out into nature, both with friends and family and in a business context.
[1] The Nature Fix, Florence Williams
