Disconnected from (our) Nature

Modern humans (us) spend 80-93% of time indoors, but we are biologically driven to have a relationship with nature, this is supported by clinical evidence as well as common sense. We evolved in nature and only recently have been confined to shelter under artificial light day and night.

The research shows time in nature as a powerful treatment of mental fatigue, acute and chronic stress, improved stress resilience, faster recovery of physical illness and improvement in overall wellbeing. Chronic stress rewires our brains by shunting blood away from the pre-frontal cortex (logical, decision-making center) toward the amygdala, contributing to fight or flight, putting us in a cycle where the brain actually favors behaviors that increase chronic stress. This transition makes us angry, fearful, and divisive. Imaging actually shows a smaller pre-frontal cortex in chronically stressed individuals. Getting outside even just once a week has a positive impact on stress.

During the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, due to the volume of infected patients, medical facilities relied on open air hospitals and hoped patients own immune systems would help them pull through. They were exposed to “a maximum of sunshine and fresh air” day and night. The patients and staff in these open air hospitals were in fact spared from the worst outcomes. Those in the worst ventilated parts of the facilities had the most cases of pneumonia. Adequate vitamin D and UV light from the sun has antiviral/antibacterial properties. Well oxygenated, open air sterilizes even the smallest viral particles. Both the sun and open air has immune boosting effects.

Meanwhile, one third of adults in this country have trouble sleeping every night, just over half have trouble a few nights a week. This results in low energy, increased processed food cravings, decreased immune system function, less resilience to stress, and slower cognition. Sun exposure regulates our circadian rhythm which is responsible for ~300 gene functions and guides things like sleep quality, coordination, focus, digestion, and energy. We have too much exposure to indoor lighting at night, especially detrimental light from electronic devices and not enough exposure to bright sunlight during the day. Just 15 minutes of sunlight first thing in the morning can help to regulate a circadian disruption.

We are profoundly disconnected from the natural world that we evolved from. Curing powers of plants and environment in favor of synthetics: food, “medicine”, and environments. On a day to day basis we have superficially generated purpose and import, grinding away on a hamster wheel. We should be connecting with each other while honoring our own innate systems of regeneration and protection.

There is a hearty amount of scientific data that shows quantifiable benefit to time spent outdoors, try it for yourself. Regularly and consistently spend time outside- let the sun hit your eyes, admire the trees, take some deep breaths inhaling the smell of nature. Let me know how it goes.