But scientists have now found something so blimin’ obvious, we’re kicking ourselves for not trying this sooner.
A study of 199 women and 200 men, aged between 19 and 76 in the US, has revealed that the simple act of breathing in a lung full of fresh air has a dramatic effect on our self-esteem.
Led by Viren Swami, professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, the researchers found that experiencing natural environments could help boost the feeling of being an important part of a wider ecosystem, meaning people felt more respect for their bodies.
It could also help people feel further removed from pressures of society and lessen the need to conform to stereotypes, such as being thin or muscular.
For the research, participants in an online survey were given a range of statements about their body image and asked to score how strongly they agreed on a five-point scale.
Questions included: ‘I respect my body’, ‘When I see good-looking people, I wonder about how my own looks measure up’, ‘I often check my appearance in a mirror just to make sure I look okay’ and ‘I feel pressure from family members to look thinner’.
They were also asked a series of questions about how exposed they were to nature in their everyday life and how connected they felt to the natural environment.
Researchers found clear links between exposure to nature and how much participants appreciated their bodies.
Professor Swami says: “Spending time in a natural environment may help us develop a sense of ownership over our physical selves, give us a greater respect for our bodies, and a better understanding of what our bodies can do rather than what our bodies look like.
“In turn, this may promote a sense of physical empowerment that is characteristic of body appreciation.
“Spending time in nature also seems to promote better self-esteem and feelings of connection to nature. When we feel part of a larger ecosystem requiring protection, we may be more likely to take steps to protect our bodies from harmful effects.”
