How “Biophilia” can Enhance Your Life and Your Health!
” Biophilia was first coined by the psychiatrist Erich Fromm to mean “love of life.” Then, the famous Harvard scientist, E.O. Wilson used the term, “Biophilia” to mean for humans to connect with nature.
Why is it important to connect with nature?
Think about how you feel when you are in nature. I know that when I am in nature, I feel calm, relaxed, happy, and present to life.
According to an article from the University of Minnesota, research has shown that being in nature “heals, soothes, restores, and connects.” Studies show “that time in nature or scenes of nature are associated with a positive mood, psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness, and vitality. Research done in hospitals, offices, and schools has found that even a simple plant in a room can have a significant impact on stress and anxiety.”¹ You can read more here.
For those of us who live in big cities surrounded by a lot more cement than leaves, it is life enhancing to increase our exposure to nature.
Here are 6 “Nature Breaks” you can take to help you release stress and feel better:
Have a plant or plants in your home. Talk to your plants and love them. Research shows “that active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress”²
Go for a walk in a park—you can do a “walking meditation.”
Go on a hike—notice all of the foliage, and flora and fauna. Feel the delicious air against your face.
If you live in an apartment without a view, place a poster, photograph, or painting of a beautiful nature scene—such as gardens, or water. When you look at that you will feel better, instead of looking at a brick wall.
Get a pet—a fish, a bird, cat, dog, or an animal you can love who can unconditionally love you.
Close your eyes and visualize a beautiful place in nature—either a place you have been or make it up. Remember or imagine the sights, sounds, and smells, and even people that were or might be in that place. Do this for 5 minutes even at work. Notice how you feel when you open your eyes.
I hope this blog post has stimulated your interest in communing with Nature. See how you feel in your mind and body after introducing Biophilia into your life. I believe that your well-being will improve, your stress will decrease, and your blood pressure might drop.
So remember to take a Nature Break today!
Dr. Jill
1. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/environment/nature-and-us/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing
2. Lee MS, Lee J, Park BJ, Miyazaki Y. Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. J Physiol Anthropol. 2015;34(1):21. Published 2015 Apr 28. doi:10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8
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