First termed by American Biologist Edward Wilson in 1984, this theory refers to humans innate need to connect with nature and form relationships with the living world. Japanese call it Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, due to the experience of sunlight and fresh air washing over the body.
Studies have shown that heart rate and cortisol (the stress hormone) are both reduced in those who spend time in the forest compared to those in the city.
One study found that students who spent just two nights in the forest had not only lower cortisol but increased immune function compared to those who stayed in the city, which highlights how immediate and profound spending time out in nature can be.
The good news is you don't need to quit your job and move to the mountains, Biophillia can be as simple as taking your shoes off and putting your feet onto grass, taking a walk through a park on your lunch break or gardening on the weekend.
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