Journal article
The Role of Nature-Based Experiences in the Development and Maintenance of Wellness
Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education, Vol.1(2), pp.21-27
01/06/2010
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Abstract
Wellness is now seen as central to redefining the National Health agenda. There is growing evidence that contact with nature and physical activity in nature has considerable positive effects on human health. At the most basic level humanity is reliant on the natural world for resources such as air and water. However, a growing body of research is finding that beyond this fundamental relationship exposure to the non-human natural world can also positively enhance perceptions of physiological, emotional, psychological and spiritual health in ways that cannot be satisfied by alternate means. Theoretical explanations for this have posited that non-human nature might 1) restore mental fatigue, 2) trigger deep reflections, 3) provide an opportunity for nurturing and 4) rekindle innate connections. In this paper the authors show how an individual's experience of wellness is strongly connected to their relationship with the natural world. This paper points to how non-human nature could be better utilised for enhancing human health and wellness.
Details
- Title
- The Role of Nature-Based Experiences in the Development and Maintenance of Wellness
- Creators
- Eric Brymer - Queensland University of TechnologyThomas F Cuddihy - Queensland University of TechnologyVinathe Sharma-Brymer - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication Details
- Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education, Vol.1(2), pp.21-27
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Group
- Identifiers
- 991012951193902368
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article