The Biophilia Hypothesis
Understanding Humanity's Innate Connection to Nature and Its Implications for Mental Health.
Did you know I’m one of four kids?
A huge change of topic from the title, but stick with me here – it’ll make sense in a second.
Anyways, yup! I’m the second youngest out of the four of us. I have my older sister, older brother, then there’s me, and then my younger brother. We’re all spread out around the world – all different ages, at different stages, with different interests, having different jobs.
I’m the only one who has a nature-centered job. I’m unsure about my sister’s feelings towards nature, I know my older brother enjoys it, and my younger brother once said he liked nature in a defined space, like a park. There’s nothing wrong with their preferences, they’re just that: preferences. Whereas I couldn’t function in a high-rise concrete jungle, it’s where one of my siblings thrives. Don’t get me wrong, I love a city as much as the next girl, but it’s not where I flourish.
And in a world increasingly defined by screens and skyscrapers, life is seeming a little less green, with nature being reserved for little spots here and there. It’s one of the things I love about New South Wales: how much green there is. When we were in a long-distance relationship, I loved coming to visit my husband in NSW from Western Australia because it felt so much more lush than the arid expanse of WA (which, in it’s own right, has beautiful flora and fauna).
Living away from the ‘green’ can’t be healthy… right? I mean, our evolutionary history shows humans being deeply intertwined with nature for survival. Millennia spent in the embrace of forests, under the open sky, and in proximity to diverse ecosystems have left an indelible mark on our psyche. As the modern world distances us from these natural environments, the disconnect often results in a myriad of psychological challenges.
Enter the concept of biophilia.
Coined by the biologist Edward O. Wilson, biophilia represents the innate human tendency to seek connections with the natural world. And I believe that as our lives become increasingly entwined with technology and urbanization, understanding and embracing this word may hold the key to unlocking profound psychological well-being. Despite our evolution leading us to cushy apartments with air conditioning and voice-activated lights, the essence of biophilia continues to resonate within us, influencing our behaviors, emotions, and overall mental health.
Also, no hate on the smart lights. They’re a game changer in our household.
Research has consistently shown that exposure to nature and natural elements has a profound impact on our mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving concentration and creativity, the therapeutic benefits of engaging with nature are far-reaching. Studies indicate that even brief interactions with green spaces or natural settings can elicit positive changes in mood and cognitive function. One of the most compelling aspects of biophilia is its ability to alleviate stress, a ubiquitous companion in the fast-paced, technologically driven world we inhabit.
Nature, to put it simply, provides a respite from the incessant demands of our lives. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, a moment of reflection by a serene lake, or simply the sight of a mountain landscape, biophilic experiences trigger a physiological response that reduces stress hormones and promotes a sense of calm. Biophilia also stimulates cognitive function! Exposure to natural environments has been linked to improved attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. The intricate patterns and fractals found in nature are also believed to provide a mental reprieve from the constant stimuli of screens and chaos in our everyday lives.
And it’s within this respite of our brains that artists, writers, and thinkers throughout history have drawn inspiration from. Biophilia encourages a sense of awe and wonder, fostering a creative mindset that taps into the boundless possibilities that is within (or outside) our imagination. I know that personally some of my book ideas have come from spending time with nature – that’s how my series, Wild Survival, was born.
I’m lucky that I have to go outside. Not just in my job, but because I have a working dog. Fun fact about Australian Shepherds – they do not (really) run out of energy. I knew this before getting Lobo, and it’s a fact that I thoroughly enjoy as it means we frequently explore dog-friendly outdoor places all over Sydney. I just like this fact less when I’m nursing a cold (as I am currently doing) because all I want to do is be a potato on the couch while I watch entire Law & Order: SVU seasons yet he wants me to run a casual 5k with him. Still, I enjoy that he in a way ‘forces’ me to get outside every day, multiple times a day, and in the warmer months I even get to take my shoes off and run around barefoot in the grass and dirt with him.
Don’t even get me started on how much we both adore going to the beach. A family staple every good-weather weekend, Lobo was once afraid of water but now willingly dives in (though is still wary of the occasional big, loud wave). So, perhaps, ‘have to’ is the wrong choice of words. I get to go outside, as I know nature is sometimes inaccessible for many – a fact I do not take for granted when I get to enjoy it.
As our societies continue to urbanize, integrating biophilic elements into our lives (including urban design) becomes imperative. Green rooftops, urban parks, and even indoor plants can serve as conduits for biophilia, bringing the natural world into the heart of our otherwise grey worlds. By designing environments that echo the patterns, colours, and textures of nature, we can create spaces that nurture our innate connection with the environment.
And as we strive towards sustainability, isn’t getting back to our roots exactly what we need?