What is Nature Expsoure?
A peaceful forest stream flows over moss-covered rocks beneath a lush green canopy, with a small waterfall, wooden footbridge, and bench nestled among towering trees.
Nature exposure means coming into contact with natural elements or environments, including trees, parks, gardens, forests, rivers, lakes, coastlines and other green or blue spaces. It can occur close to home, during everyday activities or through intentional visits to natural settings.
We often speak about health as though the human body ends at the skin.
We count nutrients, steps, laboratory values and hours of sleep, but pay far less attention to the environments in which those behaviours occur. Yet people are continuously responding to their surroundings! The amount of light entering a room, the temperature of the street, the soundscape outside a window, the presence of trees and whether there is somewhere safe and inviting to walk.
Nature exposure is one way of describing that relationship between people, place and health.
How might nature exposure affect health?
Nature does not act through one single biological pathway. Its potential effects are likely produced through several overlapping pathways, and natural environments may provide opportunities for:
Stress recovery
Natural settings may help reduce mental fatigue, support psychological restoration, improve attention and create distance from persistent demands and overstimulation.
Physical activity
People may be more likely to walk, cycle, play or spend time moving when appealing and accessible outdoor spaces are nearby.
Social connection
Parks, trails and community gardens can create informal gathering places, particularly when they are designed to feel welcoming to all.
Environmental protection
Trees and other vegetation can provide shade, reduce some forms of air and noise pollution, manage stormwater and moderate local heat.
Meaning and connection
Nature contact may support awe, curiosity, place attachment and a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself.
References:
Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. "Associations between nature exposure and health: a review of the evidence." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18.9 (2021): 4790.
Nguyen, Phi-Yen, et al. "Green space quality and health: a systematic review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18.21 (2021): 11028.
Kingsley, Marianne, and EcoHealth Ontario. "Commentary Climate change, health and green space co-benefits." Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy and Practice 39.4 (2019): 131.