Nature within us: A sustainable lifestyle approach to connect with nature

Abstract

Urbanization, industrialization, technological development and changes in human lifestyles have limited access to nature, wildlife and green spaces in and around us. The present paper provides an overview of the benefits of the natural environment in order to connect each individual with it and thus improve the quality of life. Research attempts to examine the importance of natural environment for the individual. The research also clarifies the responsible influence of technology and digital lifestyle. The research targets the community participants (N=100), which includes college students (62%), working professionals (22%) and non-working groups (16%). 82% of the population agreed that nature reduces stress. The study also reported that the time spent outdoors is longer on weekends compared to weekdays. 45% of the sample population spends less than 5 hours/day on digital screens (mobile phones, laptops, television etc.). 6% of the population do not have digital screens of which 4% are from non-working groups especially older people and 2% from low-income professionals.