The science of Nature and health is often surprising! Below you can download a free infographic created by The Human Nature Partnership in 2021, that sets out how and why Nature benefits us. And vice-versa!
We are often asked about the human health benefits of spending time in, and with, the natural world. Our coaching often takes place in natural environments outdoors, and therefore our clients stand to benefit from the development of a Nature habit!
Being ‘in’ Nature
The science is clear that living near, or regularly spending time in, natural greenspaces is good for us. So good, in fact, that greenspace deprivation is damaging to our health and longevity.
For example, living near a greenspace has been shown to lead to a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality. These benefits are not equal – with some communities suffering disproportionately from a lack of accessible nearby greenspace.
Being ‘with’ Nature
But being ‘in’ greenspaces, in a passive sense, isn’t enough to reap all the benefits. By noticing Nature’s effect on our senses and emotions, looking for what is beautiful, and finding meaning in the experience is key to really living a ‘good life’. The most nature-connected people are happier, more confidence, with greater self-esteem and higher life satisfaction.
It is worth noting that we can notice Nature anywhere – from a window, walking past a street tree, or in a windowbox or balcony. Nature connection is a experience, a feeling, and acts at the community as well as individual level.
Being ‘for’ Nature
But if that’s all we focus on, nature connection may be just another rather selfish way of extracting value from wildlife and green spaces. A key part of Nature Based Coaching Skills is to help our clients transcend themselves – and act for their communities and the environment.
The good news is that nature connected people ‘naturally’ take more action for the planet. Up to double the pro-environmental action of the least nature-connected…and 3.5 times more action for Nature.
This closes the virtuous circle – connecting with Nature, through coaching or other means, isn’t only good for human health, but good for ecosystem health too. It can lead to meaningful behaviour change for ourselves, and our clients – with ripples to our community.
What can you do?
There are a few things you can do.
- First, be outside more often!
- Second, when you are outside, spending more time noticing. Turn your phone off – or better still, leave it at home – and answer some of the questions in the infographic under the ‘5 pathways’.
- Third, see if you can take yourself outdoors for your next coaching session.
If you are a coach who wants to bring the benefits of Nature and health into you work, our next course runs from September and is open for bookings now.