The importance of nature has never been more highlighted than during the last few years when the world experienced a global health crisis. With movement and travel restrictions in place, people longed for the sound of running water from a river or the falls, or stylish glamping tents for weekend escapes. Sunshine, beaches, greenery, fresh air and the great outdoors became some of life’s most desirable luxuries.
However, living with nature is not only aspirational but has been proven to be a necessity due to its many benefits. A study led by social psychologist Mathew White of the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter in 2020 found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces or natural environments were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who didn’t. According to White, researchers revealed that exposure to nature provided calmness, and activities such as gardening often resulted in improved mood and fostered a sense of belonging and reduced isolation.
