Looking to reduce stress, boost your mental well-being, and connect with others who share a love for the outdoors? Join one of Sierra Club’s guided outings and experience firsthand how time in nature can restore your mind and body.
Spending time in natural spaces isn’t just a pleasant pastime — it’s a fundamental part of who we are. Our deep-rooted connection to nature is backed by evolutionary science, revealing why activities like hiking, forest bathing, and ecotherapy have such powerful benefits for our mental and physical health.
The science behind our connection to nature
For most of human history, we lived in direct contact with nature, relying on green spaces for survival, emotional resilience, and social bonding. Research supports that our affinity for natural environments is not just a personal preference but an evolutionary adaptation.
The biophilia hypothesis (Wilson, 2017) explains our innate desire to connect with nature as a survival mechanism. Similarly, stress reduction theory (Ulrich, 1984) demonstrates that natural settings lower anxiety and encourage relaxation by signaling safety. Studies show that exposure to green spaces leads to measurable benefits such as decreased heart rates and lower cortisol levels, markers of reduced stress.
Attention restoration theory (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) highlights how nature offers cognitive recovery. Modern life is filled with distractions, and prolonged attention to screens and urban environments leads to mental fatigue. Stepping into nature, even for a short walk, allows the mind to reset, improving focus and overall well-being.
The social and conservation connection
Beyond individual benefits, our bond with nature also strengthens social resilience. Activities like community gardening or group hikes foster a sense of belonging and support networks, particularly in challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic (Joshi & Wende, 2022). However, our access to nature is increasingly under threat due to urbanization and habitat destruction. Protecting and expanding natural spaces is not just an ecological concern—it’s essential for public health. Studies show that communities with more accessible green spaces report lower levels of anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
Take action: Join a Sierra Club outing
Engaging with nature doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone looking to incorporate more time outside into your routine, Sierra Club’s Miami Group offers guided outings that provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and advocate for conservation efforts.
By participating in local hikes, clean-up events, and conservation initiatives, you’re not only improving your own well-being but also helping to preserve the natural spaces that benefit everyone.
Ready to reconnect with nature? Visit our Meetup page to find an upcoming outing near you and experience the mental and physical benefits of time outdoors. Your mind — and the planet — will thank you.
References
Appleton, J. (1975). Landscape evaluation: the theoretical vacuum. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 120-123.
Joshi, N., & Wende, W. (2022). Physically apart but socially connected: Lessons in social resilience from community gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Landscape and Urban Planning, 223.
Kaplan, S., & Kaplan, R. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.
Wilson, E. O. (2017). Biophilia and the conservation ethic. In Evolutionary perspectives on environmental problems (pp. 250–258). Routledge.
— Allison Burnam, MSW, LISW-S
