Nature

What is nature?

 Why is nature called mother?

Mother Nature is a generic term for the personification of the natural world. Sometimes Mother Earth or Earth Mother are used instead, but the idea is the same. Such embodiment of the natural environment has been going on since Roman times, and it is largely associated with pagan traditions that continued throughout the Middle Ages. In Greek mythology, Gaia was the goddess who most closely resembled Mother Earth. Similar concepts were in use by native Americans, including Mama Pacha, an Inca term.

Can nature help depression?

Yes, it can. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that getting out and about in the natural environment can raise spirits, help to ward off feelings of anxiety and even lift people out of depressive states. In particular, walking around in wooded areas is known to have a significant effect on mood. When you are out in the sun for a period during the day, your body is able to absorb the vitamins it needs to help it function properly. How this works with respect to mental well-being is not yet fully understood, but the research all points in the same direction. Being in nature can only benefit you even if it is for short periods.

What does nature versus nurture mean?

This is a common term that many psychologists use to describe how much we are a product of our environment and how much we are a product of our genetic backgrounds. Many theories exist around child development, for example, which focus on the early interactions we have and how that affects behaviour in later life. Some argue that childhood attachments help to keep us grounded and feeling safe while others state that nature plays a bigger part in our upbringing and that we cannot always escape our inherited traits.

How can we safeguard nature?

Many people are worried about the natural world. Environmentalists have long argued that important habitats and species need to be protected. Global climate change will have a significant impact on nature unless it is kept to a minimum. Recycling, using clean forms of energy and reducing consumption is likely to be the keys to safeguarding the natural environment for future generations.