I devote an entire chapter in my introductory textbook on Somatic Psychology to 17 ways to improve the health of the body image and well-being. A senior body image researcher, Dr. Viren Swami, advocates for one improvement practice which I did not include and that technique is just being out in nature (Swami, 2020). Swami, an academic in the School of Psychology and Sport Science at the Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, Great Britain, reviews past research linking nature experiences with mental health. One of his aims is to protect ecological spaces while promoting access to those same spaces as a means for reducing the rapid spread of negative body image worldwide.
The relationship between mood and being out in nature—while probably known for ages—was first scientifically confirmed in the early 1980s by the Forest Agency of Japan. This government service began urging its citizens to spend more time in nature in order to improve general health. This nature activity was termed shinrin-yoku or forest-bathing and it was touted as a stress-reduction method. There is now a substantial body of evidence showing that nature experiences provide many healing benefits. Physically engaging with nature and appreciating its benefits helps improve psychological well-being in a variety of ways. It reduces mental fatigue, focuses concentration, relieves stress, brightens mood, softens aggressiveness, and helps to develop life skills (Brymer, Davids, & Mallabon, 2014). The primary benefits, however, are lowering depression, anxiety, and stress and, I should think just all-around improvements in general well-being. And, most recently, a study by Liu, Zhang, & Geng (2024) shows that spending time in nature leads to an increase in positive body appreciation.
While the exact mechanism by which these results are achieved, there are several theories. First, there is the Attention Restoration Theory which states that certain positive environments such as nature help recharge mental and physical reserves. One aspect of this rejuvenation process may help people distance themselves physically and mentally from social contexts that focus on the appearance of their bodies and instill a new appreciation for the body’s functionality. A second theory is that being out in nature quiets the mind which sets the stage for self-contemplation and mindfulness. These would help improve body image. Then there is the possibility that being in nature enhances psychological identification with the natural world. Increasing this connection would necessarily help build respect for out bodies as being a product of nature. One last theory is that nature experiences just enhance mindfulness which itself contributes to a healthier body image (Swami, 2020).
Closing Thoughts
The American Transcendental philosophy of the mid-nineteenth century believed that Nature was an expression of God and that the natural world was a kind of invisible church in which humans can commune with the godhead. This idea is prominent in the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), one of the founders of Transcendentalism. I am struck by the idea that it took one hundred years for the importance of the body’s place in Nature and its effects upon the human spirit to return again and then be confirmed by scientific study. I can only imagine Emerson thinking, “Yes, but what took you so long?”
Paul Shane, Ph.D., LMT
Director, Academic Content
References
Brymer, E., Davids, K., & Mallabon, L., (2014). Understanding the psychological health and well-being benefits of physical activity in nature: An ecological dynamics analysis. Ecopsychology 6(3), p.189-197.
Liu, T., Zhang, IK., & Geng, L. (2024). Nurtured by nature: Body appreciation and adaptive appearance management with nature exposure. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 47, 100798, 10.1016/j.jort.2024.100798.
Swami, V. (2020). How being in nature can promote healthier body image. Relate Insights Malaysia 1, p. 1-10.
Revised on 05-26-26.