The benefits of nature for children
In 1984, Edward O. Wilson put forward the idea that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. He called this idea the "biophilia hypothesis," a spontaneous need to encounter other forms of life. Throughout their evolution, humans have always lived in close symbiosis with the nature that surrounds them, drawing from it the resources essential to their survival.
The industrial revolution and technological advances in recent centuries have profoundly transformed this special relationship between humans and their natural environment. There is one group of people who would benefit immeasurably from spending more time in nature: children. Today, such contact is rare for them: it has been estimated that they spend on average six times more hours in front of screens than outdoors. One reason for this dramatic phenomenon is the densification of cities, which has led to the disappearance of small green spaces in neighborhoods. This deficiency has several harmful consequences for the well-being of the population.
For around 40 years, neuroscience has been studying the effects of nature. And while there are several competing theories, they all agree on one thing: spending time in nature every day calms and heals us. Nature evokes deep emotions that relieve stress and increase well-being. Even temporary contact with nature has benefits for all aspects of health, whether physiological ( well-being, regeneration of bodily functions), cognitive, with increased intellectual performance (improved creativity and attention), or even psychological ( joy, reduced mental distress, anxiety, and depression). Scientists are unanimous: nature is never as beneficial as when we experience it directly. Being physically in contact with nature increases its beneficial effects tenfold. Experiences that engage the five senses affect the brain and allow us to become one with the natural elements.
" Nature recharges us, infusing us with its energy and momentarily suspending our worries and inner conflicts. "
C. André
Physiological benefits:
Reduction in heart rate
Lowering blood pressure
Decrease in sympathetic nervous activity
Increased parasympathetic nervous activity
Reduction in cortisol levels (stress indicator)
Psychological benefits:
Anxiety reduction
Restorative sensation
Reduction in depression and negative emotions
Improved mood
Increased vitality, reduced fatigue
Cognitive and other benefits:
Improvement in cognitive function
Restoration of attention
Reduction in mental fatigue and confusion
Improved spiritual well-being
Strengthening social cohesion and social support
Awareness and positive behavior regarding the environment and sustainability.
" The natural environment provides children with unique learning opportunities, whether in terms of engagement, risk-taking, discovery, creativity, mastery of situations, or self-esteem. It inspires a variety of emotional states—such as wonder—and improves psychological skills that are believed to have a positive influence on various aspects of cognitive development. "
O. Khazan
How can we maintain this connection with nature?
Spend more time in nature.
Immerse yourself in the forest: in Japan, it is customary to practice "shinrin-yoku," translated into English as "forest bathing." The government has officially recognized it as a form of therapy. It simply involves walking in the forest (without any connected devices). Spending time in the forest has been proven to reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and improve concentration and memory. Trees have anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties.
Facing the sea: water, the view, the smell of the ocean, the sound of a river, the sensation of our body floating—all of these things influence our brain. Maritime elements have an influence on mental health. These are comforting landscapes and soothing sounds that calm our brain.
Celebrate the first light of day and experience the beauty of colors.
Discover the rhythm of nature.
Make eye contact with an animal
Listen to the silence of the mountains.
Gazing at the stars.
Step outside yourself.
" The instinct to move around in one's environment, going from one discovery to another, is part of one's very nature and education: education must consider the child who wanders around as an explorer. The habit of exploring [...] which today is a form of entertainment and relaxation, should be part of education and begin earlier in life."
Maria Montessori.
Parents are free to encourage their children to spend time in nature regularly and to increase their opportunities to experience it from an early age. This is because the feeling of being connected to nature originates in childhood: the emotional bonds we form at a very early age with the landscapes around us influence our relationship with the environment as adults. Schools also have a responsibility to promote this connection with nature.
To go further:
https://www.reseau-ecoles21.ch/sites/default/files/docs/fr/themes/171130_benefices_du_contact_avec_la_nature.pdf