Recent psychological research has reignited the conversation around a timeless yet often overlooked source of well-being: our connection with nature. According to a new report by a leading psychologist, restoring a sense of inner balance may be as straightforward as cultivating what experts call “nature connectedness”—a personal affinity for the natural world that modern life tends to blunt. As more Thais spend their days in urban environments dominated by concrete and screens, these findings resonate with the growing societal debates over mental health, urbanization, and environmental stewardship in Thailand and worldwide (Forbes).
The core of this latest research, summarized in a July 2025 Forbes feature, is deceptively simple: Regular, meaningful engagement with nature can significantly enhance psychological well-being, reduce stress, and foster more harmonious social relationships. Citing both recent empirical studies and indigenous knowledge systems, the psychologist behind the report argues that a conscious shift—whether that means a walk in Lumphini Park, listening to birdsong, or even mindful appreciation of a houseplant—can realign people with a sense of peace and purpose often lost in modern society.
The significance of this research for Thai readers lies in its timing and relevance. As Thailand’s cities, especially Bangkok, continue to densify, the daily lives of millions become increasingly severed from natural environments. A survey by the Thai Ministry of Public Health in 2023 noted an uptick in reported stress and anxiety among office workers in Bangkok, a statistic echoed globally since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, reclamation of nature connectedness emerges as not only a psychological strategy, but also a public health consideration—directly impacting workplace satisfaction, social harmony, and even broader environmental awareness (Ministry of Public Health).
The research posits that “nature connectedness” is not merely about physical proximity to trees or greenery, but an emotional and cognitive bond—a sense of belonging and mutual relationship with the environment. Empirical evidence backs this up: A 2024 study in Scientific Reports found that individuals who regularly visit green spaces reported significantly lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, even when controlling for factors like income or urban density (Scientific Reports). Urban deprivation, rapid consumerism, and digital overload, all prevalent in contemporary Thai society, correlate with weakened nature connectedness and rising rates of psychological distress.
Cultural perspectives further enrich the concept, drawing on indigenous wisdom. The report highlights the Australian Aboriginal worldview, which frames nature as a central part of kinship—an interdependent system of people, ancestors, and country bound by respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. While distinct from Thai animist or Buddhist traditions, this holistic principle finds echoes in Thai rural culture, where respect for sacred groves, water spirits (phi tham), and nature deities historically shaped community cohesion and land stewardship (Wikipedia). The research encourages readers to reinvigorate such frameworks in modern contexts to build not just personal resilience, but also collective responsibility for environmental care.
To restore inner balance, the psychologist prescribes two essential strategies: meaningful contact and emotional engagement. The former emphasizes quality over quantity—spending mindful time observing, listening, and being present in nature rather than simply traversing it. Techniques such as walking meditation, forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), or even intentional pauses to appreciate the sensation of grass beneath one’s feet can foster a sense of awe, gratitude, and emotional expansion. These “self-transcendent emotions”—awe, gratitude, inspiration—are repeatedly linked to greater nature connectedness and psychological well-being.
Documented Thai health initiatives support similar interventions. The Department of Health Promotion advocates outdoor activities and green exercise, particularly for youth and seniors, as part of the national “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” campaign. Such efforts often draw from the Buddhist notion of mindfulness and the Thai value of keeping “jai yen” (a cool heart), both of which are conducive to nature-based restoration (Department of Health Promotion).
Another key point is the distinction between two types of “self”: the independent, goal-driven self and the interrelated, community-attuned self. Nature connectedness fosters the latter, prompting people to attune to the needs and emotions of others and the wider world. For Thai society, where collectivism and face-saving remain strong cultural currents, this paradigm may offer a path to more inclusive social harmony and environmental stewardship.
The article’s findings resonate with global movements urging people to “rewild” their routines. For instance, Japan’s shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) has become mainstream, while Scandinavian countries invest heavily in public green spaces and outdoor learning. In Thailand, the emerging “urban reforestation” movement, with projects like Bangkok’s Benjakitti Forest Park, signals rising public demand for green sanctuaries (Bangkok Post). Meanwhile, local schools and temples have begun experimenting with outdoor meditation classes and nature immersion retreats to reduce academic and social pressure among youth.
Looking ahead, the psychologist projects that a renewed sense of nature connectedness could yield far-reaching benefits in Thailand. Potential impacts include improved public mental health, stronger community ties, and a more robust environmental ethic—factors crucial to adapting to the dual crises of rapid urbanization and climate change.
Thai policymakers and civil society groups can take practical steps to institutionalize nature connectedness. Recommendations include:
- Increasing the number and accessibility of public green spaces, school gardens, and community parks, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.
- Encouraging corporate wellness programs to incorporate nature exposure, such as “green meetings” or employee excursions to botanical gardens and wildlife reserves.
- Integrating mindfulness-based outdoor programs into school curricula—combining academic learning with time for quiet reflection in natural settings.
- Launching public awareness campaigns that reconnect traditional Thai values of balance, compassion, and respect for nature with contemporary lifestyles.
Crucially, individuals can also act on these findings. Setting aside time each week to visit a local park, practicing mindful breathing outdoors, or simply tending to home gardens can make tangible differences in mental and physical health. As the psychologist observes, turning off digital devices and savoring the understated miracles of grass underfoot or the sound of rain “can make us feel alive again in a way not much else can” (Forbes).
For Thai readers, the research is both a wake-up call and an invitation—to reclaim natural roots in a fast-moving society, and to rediscover the healing power of the living world, one mindful step at a time.