Benefits of the Outdoors

A dog breeder in Salem, Iowa, Jake Kruse is also a landscaper. In his free time, Jake Kruse enjoys boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Spending time outdoors can have tangible physical and mental health benefits. The word biophilia refers to humans’ desire to connect with nature. Edward O. Wilson is credited with propagating biophilia to a wide audience in his book of the same name in 1984.

Studies in succeeding years found evidence supporting the existence of biophilia. Multiple studies discovered that exposing participants to nature lowers their levels of cortisol, the hormone most heavily associated with stress. Other studies found that exposure to nature heightens creativity, improves productivity, and increases happiness.

Companies and architects can incorporate biophilic design in many ways, great and small. Creating buildings that use eco-friendly, organic materials, such as reclaimed wood, can remind employees of the outdoors. Strategically placing plants throughout a workspace can add nature to a work environment. Integrating large windows to let in abundant natural light, and perhaps even allow wind to blow through the office, can bring in the benefits of the outdoors, even in urban locations.