Nature lifts your spirits

Nature connectedness and well-being: Evidence from a multi-national investigation across 75 countries in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.

Nature connectedness refers to how strongly people feel emotionally and cognitively connected to the natural world.

This study published demonstrated consistent positive association with wellbeing; those reporting higher nature connectedness also reported higher wellbeing (specifically life satisfaction, purpose, hope, optimism, mindfulness, resilient coping).

Let’s be honest, we’ve known for a long time that being connected to nature boosts well‑being, but this proves it on a global scale.

It demonstrates more than just mood improvement and shows that the positive relationship between nature and wellbeing is broadly held across populations, despite cultural differences.

The design doesn’t prove causality and the sampling has limitations, BUT the pattern is consistent with a large body of psychological research.

This resonated with me, as my experience perfectly illustrates the very pattern this study highlights.

Before cancer, my baseline of nature connectedness was low (my husband and friends can vouch for this!)

It wasn’t because I didn’t value the natural world, but life circumstances meant I was always distracted and dismissive.

Facing cancer, I became more aware of life’s fragility. It shifted my attention to the small wonders around me. It sounds cringeworthy but the birds in the sky and the sunlight on the trees really did look different.

This shift is what researchers describe as “nature connectedness awakening.”

I started noticing, feeling and valuing my connection to my environment and I felt better for it! That feeling of gratitude or being “in awe” I began to really understand.

I am now more emotionally engaged with nature and, as research demonstrates, I am the perfect example of how this has increased well-being and gratitude.

So if there’s one thing I recommend, it’s get outside – but not just that, pay attention.

Think of it as a tiny daily reset: a simple, powerful way to remind yourself that you’re part of something bigger.