Introduction to Connecting to Nature
Connecting to nature provides happiness benefits as outlined by three major theories in psychology: the Biophilia Hypothesis, Stress Reduction Theory, and Attention Restoration Theory. The Biophilia Hypothesis, first outlined by Edward Wilson, outlines the importance of human connection with nature and other lifeforms which stems from an ancestral reliance on nature and its resources. Roger Ulrich proposed Stress Reduction Theory as a way to explain the decreased negative emotions, increased positive emotions, and overall lowered levels of stress we experience in nature. Kaplan and Kaplan developed Attention Restoration Theory to explain the mental restoration we experience while in nature. Combined, these three theories explain why nature can help us to increase our happiness and restore our minds.