A haven in nature

An outdoor environment gives our kids the chance to enjoy playing outside in the new normal.

When God created man, he didn’t create WiFi at the same time.

Man was created among fruit-bearing trees and wild animals. He was built to withstand a lush environment, to breathe in the wind and enjoy the produce of the earth. In short, man was built to enjoy nature. So why do many of us today devoid ourselves of it in the name of technology and modernization?

Nature heals

Studies show that nature promotes a sense of well-being.

The natural environment is rare nowadays in many modern cities. As we try to pursue progress, sometimes we forget that we need a space to relax and regroup. As much as we need to be connected to our peers on the internet, we also need to be connected to our surroundings on a daily basis.

Nature, in a way, is God’s healing hand. In nature, we find the peace that we need to think clearly and relieve our tensions. We sometimes need to take a break from our work, and nature provides a conducive environment to help us do just that.

A study conducted by the University of Exeter shows that people need at least two hours a week of immersion in nature to have a great sense of well-being (White, 2019). Nature has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and even improve immune system functions. It is necessary for us to operate well on a daily basis, especially when we always find ourselves beat down by stress and fatigue.

Having access to nature allow us to socialize with our neighbors and develop strong ties.

Nature protects

Apart from our well-being, nature has been found to lower crime rates and aggressive behavior in urban communities.

While many of us expect that living amid lush surroundings would easily encourage criminals to lurk around, scientific studies have shown the opposite. A 2012 research trial revealed that trees around the home reduce the risk of assault and robbery (White). A lush environment somehow fosters tight community relations, leading to better public surveillance. Thus, while there is no guarantee, living in a natural environment provides us with a sense of security and safety.

Even as we work every day, it is important for us to make time to enjoy nature.

Nature fosters relations

A community harboring many trees and plants encourages us to feel relaxed and happy. It’s no wonder, therefore, why such a community often observes more neighborly ties compared to urban housing areas.

By being in a relaxing environment, we are keener to put our guards down and make friends among our neighbors. And in this era of the new normal, having access to an outdoor environment reduces the risk of acquiring diseases as viruses dissipate easily in the natural air. We can allow our kids to play outdoors and make friends without having to worry so much as compared to urban centers.

Nature helps us survive

Truth be told, we cannot survive without nature in our lives. Even if you thrive in a city environment, having regular access to natural surroundings would make you feel better and think clearer. God made man in nature, so getting a home surrounded by nature would be conducive to our well-being and happiness.

Thankfully, many homes situated in lush environments nowadays are built with modern amenities, so you don’t have to sacrifice technology or comfort in your pursuit of nature. You do get a chance, however, to take a break from all these and just enjoy the earth’s best offerings.

If you want to be healthy, comfortable and relaxed, a natural environment can offer you the best of living. Find a home in nature now, and enjoy life as it was meant to be lived.

Sources: Mary K. Wolfe, Jeremy Mennis, Does vegetation encourage or suppress urban crime? Evidence from Philadelphia, PA, Landscape and Urban Planning, Volume 108, Issues 2 and 4, 2012, Pages 112-122, ISSN 0169-2046; White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019); Monstera, RF._.studio, Margaret Weir and Ann poan via Pexels.com