Why Connecting with Nature Makes Us Feel Better About Ourselves

A person sits in the shade on a bench and looks out over a lake. —Daniel Vogl/picture alliance—Getty ImagesTwice this week I found myself turning to the outdoors for a much needed pause. After dinner one night, the scent of lilac in the air, I stood and admired the evening light and considered my gardening plans for the season. Then the other morning, on a run along a forest trail, I ditched my usual Spotify playlist in favor of birdsong. Both experiences left me clear headed and refreshed, and I told myself I should carve out these moments more often. After all, it’s well known that spending time outdoors can boost wellbeing and reduce stress. But now a new study uncovers why exactly nature is so powerful at improving life satisfaction—no matter who you are.In the largest survey of its kind, researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, asked over 50,000 people between the ages of 18 to 99 from across 58 countries about their experience with nature. What they found is that, regardless of age or gender identity, connecting with nature unlocks a more positive body image of one’s self. And it’s this relationship that supports a better life experience.It’s about more than just feeling good about the way you look though. “Positive body image refers to a love, respect, and care for the body,” says Viren Swami, the lead author of the new study and professor of psychology at Anglia Ruskin University. “People who are high in…

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