Discovering Natural Wellbeing in The Nature Fix
Jessica White reviews Florence Williams’ journey in “The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative”
Have you wondered why it can feel so good to immerse ourselves in our natural surroundings? How our worries and problems in our day-to-day lives are improved by a little fresh air and sunshine?
I’ve definitely been curious about the science behind our connection with the natural world, and how it helps to support our wellbeing. Yet it wasn’t until I delved into Florence Williams’ journey in The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative that I began to gain a deeper understanding of the true science behind the benefits and practices of nature’s influence over us.
Illustration by Michelle Maberly
Williams’s book is broken down into five sections “to help make sense of the material, and make it useful” (Williams, p.10). The accessibility of Williams’s book is supported by her conversational tone that strengthens the relaxed yet engaging experience of The Nature Fix.
In Williams’s work, our journeys of discovery commence through the collective experience of Japan’s practice of shinrin yoku, or ‘forest bathing’. Following on from this, Williams transports us to the USA, South Korea and many other rich cultures. Through her travels a pattern appears, illustrating a universal desire to connect to nature appears and an encouragement for us to follow suit.
At every opportunity, Williams immerses her audience, intertwining the reader in her physical experiences and enlightened scientific understanding of our reaction around nature. As you read through each section, each study shows us the benefits of spending time in the natural world and the true ‘healing’ elements of a connection, whilst presenting the results for those who don’t connect. It is truly fascinating.
There is a wide range of academic reports that can help to explain our connection with the natural world, but none have resonated with me more than The Nature Fix. Williams expresses in the introduction that “the aspiration of this book… [was] to find the best science behind our nature-primed neurons and to share it. Without this knowledge, we may not fully honour our deep, cranial connection to natural landscapes” (Williams, p.12).
The Nature Fix is a thoughtful book, a pleasurable read, and laced with a powerful message of the importance of nature for our collective wellbeing. Reading The Nature Fix has definitely encouraged some self-reflection. From now on, I will embrace nature at every opportunity, and I implore you to do the same!
If you enjoy The Nature Fix, here are some additional books to explore:
Everyday Nature: How Noticing Nature Can Quietly Change Your Life, by Andy Beer
The Natural Health Service: How Nature Can Mend Your Mind, by Isabel Hardman
Back to Nature: How to Love Life – and Save It, by Chris Packham
Bird Therapy, by Joe Harkness
Thank you to Michelle Maberly for her beautiful illustration.
Jessica White
Jessica is a creative currently based in Hampshire. After studying two writing degrees at Falmouth University, living in Cornwall opened her eyes to the beauty and biodiversity of the British coast and ignited her passion for the natural world. Now living amongst rolling fields and woodland, Jess enjoys taking time out from working on a marketing qualification to explore and be inspired.