3 Benefits of Nature Connection
The benefits of nature connection can be considered to occur on a spectrum that takes time from individual to institutional levels where they do not operate in isolation but interact with and are influenced by one another. The diagram below summarizes key overall benefits to be experienced through nature connection that have been identified through research, interview themes, and direct practice, while the table below delves into more specific and individual factors.
In-Depth Benefits of Nature Connection
Benefits and Examples of Nature Connection
Benefit
|
Examples
|
| Psychological well-being |
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved mood
- Reduced anger/frustration
- Psychological well-being
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved behaviour
|
| Cognitive |
- Attentional restoration
- Reduced mental fatigue
- Improved academic performance
- Education/learning opportunities
- Improved ability to perform tasks
- Improved cognitive function in children
- Improved productivity
|
| Physiological |
- Stress reduction
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced cortisol levels
- Reduced headaches
- Reduced mortality rates from circulatory disease
- Faster healing
- Addiction recovery
- Perceived health/well-being
- Reduced cardiovascular, respiratory disease, and long-term illness
- Reduced occurrence of illness
|
| Social |
- Facilitated social interaction
- Enables social empowerment
- Reduced crime rates
- Reduced violence
- Social cohesion
- Social support
|
| Spiritual |
- Increased inspiration
- Increased spiritual well-being
|
| Tangible |
- First-hand knowledge of nature species
- Food supply (foraging, gardening)
|
Source: Adapted from Keniger et al. (2013).
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