Introduction:
Humans have largely disconnected from nature as urbanization came into play.
The introduction of electronic communications, the disappearance of open space, more traffic lights, and poor urban planning diminished the importance of nature. The term nature-deficit disorder was coined by Richard Louv in 2005 in the publication the last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Nature deficit disorder is the idea that human beings are spending less time with nature (as compared to the past), resulting in a wide variety of behavioral problems.
What Is Nature Deficit Disorder?
The term nature-deficit refers to less interaction between humans and nature. Nature deficit disorder is not a disorder but a metaphor to explain how less interaction with nature has led to diminished use of sense, physical and mental illnesses, attention difficulties, obesity, vision problem (myopia), vitamin D deficiencies, and other health-related issues. In recent times, kids have spent less time outdoors, which has impacted their overall health and well-being. Many studies say children's performance increases when they are in green spaces (connected with nature). It has been shown that children instill positive feelings, build confidence and focus, stay calm, and are less stressed when they remain connected with nature.
What Is the Impact of Green and Non-green Areas?
These days every one of us is engaged more in indoor activities such as watching TV, using laptops, and a digital environment (mobile phones, etc). These activities in non-green spaces result in poor functioning (especially in children). A narrow focus on the laptop screens through the eyes has utilized a huge amount of energy in blocking out many of the human senses.
When we see the outcome of green spaces, they have shown a great benefit to both mental and physical well-being. Green spaces include natural landscapes, parks, gardens, etc. Connection with nature should be on an everyday basis. Even a peaceful environment with a view of the sky, clouds, greenery, and flowing water can calm the soul and give a relaxing, refreshed mood.
Individuals should work to improve biodiversity, be it at schools, workplaces, homes, etc.
We know the impact of biodiversity on psychology. Thus we should work on improving biodiversity.
What Are the Causes of Nature-Deficit Disorder?
Research suggests - the following are the causes of nature deficit disorders.
They are -
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Parents keep their children indoors to safeguard them from any sort of danger, injury, or mishap. Overprotection of parents is the leading cause of nature deficit disorders among children.
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Fear of crime or stranger danger is another leading cause.
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In older times, children spend most of their time in outdoor activities. But nowadays, only a small number of parents allow their children to play outdoors.
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Urbanization has led to a loss of natural surroundings in child's neighborhoods. It has led to restrictions on staying in the apartment only and less connectivity with nature.
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Environmentalists have added further restrictions by putting boards of - look, do not touch, and no walking zone for protecting the natural environment.
How Can Schools Help Kids to Develop Connectivity With Nature?
These days, schools focus more on the digital environment than on the real environment.
Less physical activity along with more hours at desks or in classrooms are seen. Schools should adopt a policy of - one dollar spent on the virtual; another dollar should be for real. They should create a learning environment in which students have natural settings. They should organize events or environmental education programs. The ultimate aim is to make students and teachers understand the importance of nature and its impact on human health and well-being.
How Do Environmental Education Programs Increase Child Connectivity to Nature?
The environmental education program raises awareness to save nature and educates the children about the importance and benefits of nature. Through these programs, children come in direct contact with nature and develop a sense of responsibility to save it. Children are taught about climate change in windowless schools. Classrooms are over-equipped with computers. Students should be given time to interact with nature, plant trees as a part of the curriculum, know about various species and develop affection with them for a nature-rich future.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact of Nature:
COVID-19 pandemic has created a severe impact on the mental health and well-being of people. Isolation, restricted movements, and loss of connectivity with nature have led to a number of mental illnesses such as stress, depression, anxiety, sleeping disorder, etc. During this difficult situation, those who have to spend time with nature, take a walk, look at beautiful views, or even see nature videos have experienced health benefits. This confirms that green space has a very beneficial effect on mental and emotional health. It is a scientific fact that nature makes us happier, creative, and calmer. It keeps you in a better mood, stress-free and leaves you more productive than usual.
Let us look at some benefits of nature:
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Stress-Free Lifestyle: Green spaces are proven to reduce stress. Research shows that people walking in green spaces tend to have lower stress levels than those who walk in urban settings. Some countries have introduced forest bathing to overcome the effects of the urban lifestyle. It was during the pandemic people realized the importance of green spaces and outdoor time. Another research suggests that green space affects physiological well-being, especially in areas that are plant-rich, flowing water, or mountains. A brief study on people living in green spaces suggested that they were shown to take better breaths, sweat less, and have good heart health. Thus it can be concluded that nature is beneficial for managing stress.
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Energy Restoration: During the pandemic and now also, we are spending a lot of time online by attending online classes, zoom meetings, or anything. It is good that technology has kept us connected but exhausting at the same time. Staring at the screen and focusing on it for a longer time is tiresome. Going outdoors and spending time with nature gives our minds a feeling of comfort and relaxation. It helps in attention restoration. Taking breaks makes our brain sharper and even leads to ease in problem-solving.
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Fight off Mental Illnesses: Nature plays a huge role in improving psychological health. It keeps anxiety, stress, and depression away. Nature improves mental health by keeping away rumination (endless thought loops). People who spend time interacting with nature either by gardening, walking, biking, sports or games, etc., ruminate less and experience more positive feelings.
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Happy, Healthy Life: If nature helps us in decreasing stress, fighting off depression and other mental illnesses, and improving sleep and overall well-being, it should make us feel happy and healthy.
Conclusion:
Nature deficit disorder is not a medical diagnosis but is a non-clinical term that describes the impact on the well-being of humans. Rapid urbanization has led to less frequent interaction with nature resulting in an alarming rise in chronic health issues. The quality of life is deteriorating for the people living in urban areas. It has resulted in an increased number of cardiovascular diseases and mental health issues among people. The elements of urban life, such as more screen time, a car culture, stranger danger, disturbance in work-life balance, decrease in contact with the natural environment, and less leisure time, have severely affected children, teens, adults, and the elderly. Direct contact with nature is essential for overall well-being as it reduces stress and brings along calmness and relaxation. Research suggests that human well-being and chronic health issues (stress, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases) may improve through direct contact with nature.
