Welcome to our third blog post. In this blog post we share facts about why we can feel connected to nature and how it can be a source of mental and physical relaxation and how we use nature as a vitamin.
Nature has provided the framework for humans for thousands of years and is therefore a big part of human evolutionary history. In 1993, biologist Edward Wilson published the book 'The Biophilia Hypothesis'. The hypothesis is based on human admiration of nature, not just because it's beautiful, but because we actually love it as we are genetically coded to feel this way. According to the theory, we are pre-programmed to live close to nature, making our mental and physical satisfaction dependent on it.
The genetic coding for loving nature dates back to when we were hunter-gatherers. We cherished nature because it was the key to survival. Although the hunter is a bygone phase for many, we must remember that it was once the source of food. The vast majority of men and women could kill and butcher even back then because it was actually vital.
However, the collector is still relatable to many, and today it has become quite popular. We see more and more people rummaging through the forest floor for chanterelles and blackberries to spice up the pot with nature's own spices.
Two human qualities that were incredibly important for a family's survival, because if Mother Nature wasn't generous, both children and adults would go to bed hungry. Nature guide and founder of Vinatur, Simon Høegmark, says that nature is a good place to be if you want to survive. From a prehistoric perspective, we could hide in the forest, keep watch on hilltops and harvest from the terrain. Though thousands of years ago, our bodies still reward us for staying in places where there is potential for survival.
That's why moving under the crowns of the beech tree and feeling the scent of summer rain hit our senses can be extremely relaxing and calming. Our bodies have a natural ability to adapt to the contemporary challenges of our surroundings - and they are constantly trying to adapt to a world they are not yet equipped for.
The Kaplan researchers came up with the Attention Restoration Theory in the 1970s, which describes how the brain constantly absorbs and registers impressions from the environment. Different environments affect us differently and require more or less attention when the brain is processing and sorting impressions. An urban environment requires more energy to absorb information and the need for rest and recovery becomes much more important. In contrast, the brain is minimally exerted in the natural environment as we use less energy when navigating in the open air.
In a world where we can suddenly decide what's happening on the other side of the world via an app on our phones, while at the same time making higher and higher demands on each other, it's no wonder that the brain needs a break. The break varies from person to person, but as mentioned earlier, the body genetically relaxes in green surroundings.
Our, Rikke and Trine's, personal respite is very much the wilderness, and there's nothing better than hiding in the mountains for a while. Whether it's a hunting adventure in the Canadian wilderness with clients or a long hike along the Arctic Circle. Here it's suddenly not a given that we can be contacted with a like on Instagram or a quick call, because there's no wi-fi or connection out there.
Our bodies are in their element, because it's all about survival. Being able to survive is a prerequisite, and staying dry, finding water, hunting for food and building a fire are prerequisites for this. It may seem easy to implement nature to allow the body to relax, but some people feel limited by it. Nature can seem unsafe if you don't know it and don't know how to use it. That's why it's so important for us to show what it really has to offer.
With Trine's physiotherapy background, we travel around the country to teach and talk about the marvellous powers of nature on both body and mind. This little blog post was just a small taste of why a walk in the woods affects us. Nature is a free vitamin that we should take a dose of every single day - whether it's a deep breath of fresh air or a month-long hike down a deserted Swedish bog. One thing is certain: It's becoming more and more relevant in the hustle and bustle we call everyday life.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read along.
Best regards,
Rikke and Trine
