It’s undeniable: the allure of the green thumb is strong these days. From David Beckham tending to his kale and spring onions to Pamela Anderson sharing her garden bounty on social media, celebrities are embracing a connection with the earth. Even Nicole Kidman, known for her red-carpet glamour, cultivates an organic vegetable garden on her Tennessee farm. And Blake Lively, while filming her new movie, found solace in the peace of flower arranging.
This newfound appreciation for the natural world extends beyond the celebrity sphere. The Princess of Wales, after completing chemotherapy, shared a heartwarming video of herself enjoying the countryside, walking through fields of wheat, and driving her Land Rover. Her father-in-law, the King, is also known for his love of foraging in the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you have a backyard garden or just a pot of supermarket-bought basil, humans have an innate connection with nature. As we enter autumn, a season of harvest, we are reminded of the outdoors’ ability to nourish our minds, bodies, and souls.
This inherent love for nature is scientifically known as “biophilia.” Numerous studies have proven that those who interact with nature experience improved health and happiness. Alfie Nickerson, founder of Burnt Fen Flowers, a biodynamic flower business in Norfolk, shares his journey from London city dweller to countryside farmer, driven by a passion for growing things from seed to bloom. He describes how living in nature allows you to tune into the small things – a butterfly after months of absence, a bird you haven’t seen in ages.
The benefits of nature extend beyond our senses. The soil beneath our feet, teeming with more microbes than there are people on Earth, positively impacts our gut microbiome, leading to improved gut health. This, in turn, influences our immunity, mental well-being, and overall health.
Praveena Sridhar, Chief Technical Officer of Save Soil, explains that humans share many of the same bacterial groups as soil. Touching the soil introduces healthy bacteria and microbial life to our gut. Studies on forest bathing – immersing yourself in nature, phone-free – have shown a decrease in stress biomarkers, with cortisol levels 16% lower in groups exposed to forests compared to those in urban areas.
You don’t need acres of land like the Beckhams to reap the rewards of the natural world. Head to your local park, escape to the countryside, or simply take a walk in your neighborhood. But make a conscious effort to disconnect from your phone, engage all your senses, and truly pay attention to the world around you. The consistency and beauty of nature serve as a reassuring reminder that life goes on and we are all part of something much bigger.
