Living in nature: the secret of happiness?

Is happiness in nature? When you look at the scientific literature on the subject, it seems clear that the answer is yes. Yet, in everyday life, modern humanity has never been so far removed from ecosystems.

The first hominid species did not have a madness for exploration; it was Homo Sapiens Sapiens who demonstrated a vital need to explore everything: oceans, mountains, forests. No more frontiers. This enabled the human race to expand. But it also disrupted nature, and humans became disconnected from it.

Nowadays, some people are literally aiming to return to natural environments. And why? Because being in such a place gives meaning, a rhythm that is much more regular and healthy than that of our lives. And while some people, as in this report, are ready to live in the wilderness or go exploring on the wind, you don't have to go far to do yourself good.

Specialists suggest, and even prescribe, that people spend a few hours a week in a forest or city green space. But it has to be away from distractions. The phone closes and we focus not on a short-, medium- or long-term objective, but on what's happening in the present moment, on what is perceived by all our senses, in order to refocus.

Duration: 27 minutes

Image: David Osta from Pixabay