0913 Time in Nature Gives Our Life Meaning

Time in Nature Gives Our Life Meaning

Spending time in nature can give our lives purpose and meaning, according to a new study.

Previous research has demonstrated the mental health benefits of being in green spaces or close to rivers and lakes. But this study, done by researchers in Finland, goes further.

They wanted to examine the impact that nature can have on something called eudaimonic (pronounced "you-die-monic") well-being.

Scientists often split happiness — or well-being — into two categories: eudaimonic and hedonistic.

Eudaimonic happiness means finding meaning and growing as a person. Hedonistic happiness is about pleasure and enjoyment, and is usually temporary.

The researchers surveyed 158 people in the Finnish city of Turku, and compared the experiences of young people and older residents. Fifty-eight were aged between 15 and 24, while 100 were aged over 60.

Participants were asked to say where in Turku they had spent time outside and how it had made them feel, or what they had noticed.

For example, they were asked to consider what emotions, ideas and experiences were triggered by spending time in a certain place.

One of the researchers, Joha Järekari, said both age groups felt that spending time in nature helped them with self-acceptance because "nature does not judge."

Järekari added that being in nature had a "positive impact on personal growth. The participants reported that it was easier to get in touch with oneself, with other people, and with other species."

The older adults in the study were more likely to use time in nature to connect with younger generations — their grandchildren, for example — and to be away from screens.

The younger people enjoyed the peace of nature, using it as a place where they can be alone and be themselves.

However, both groups said that while they were in nature, they worried about the future of the natural world, with younger participants feeling as though they were "part of the problem," said Järekari.