Today, more than 56% of the world’s population-a staggering 4.4 billion-inhabit cities. (1)

This huge shift from rural to urban comes with immense changes to our lifestyle, diet, and mental health. Let’s see how our bodies and minds are affected by it. Also, find out why reconnecting with nature is paramount to our well-being.

Circadian Rhythm and Primitive Living:

Our ancestors lived according to the rhythm of nature-the Earth. They got up with the sunrise, and birds served as their alarm clock. They spent their days hunting, gathering, and wandering in nature. They ate organic food and drank clean water. It was not an easy life. There was constant threat from diseases and predators. But it was a life that led in tandem with how humans evolved over millions of years.

Our bodies still crave sunlight, fresh air, and physical movement. People’s lives used to be controlled by the sun. And it dictated their circadian rhythms, which is the internal clock that tells us when to sleep and wake.

But imagine waking up at 9 p.m., eating processed food full of soy and sugar, commuting to work, and never experiencing nature. Isn’t this a complete violation of how our bodies were designed to function?

Modern Life vs. Primitive Needs

Thankfully, we no longer live in mud huts or have to chase rabbits for lunch. We have clothes, money, luxury, and convenience. Although with these advancements, we’ve lost touch with nature. Many of us spend our days eating junk food, sitting on couches, and living amidst concrete and noise. For some, this lifestyle is comfortable. But for others, it’s clear we are violating our natural processes.

Some have learned to balance their ancestral needs with modern life. Instead of chasing animals on foot, they run on a treadmill or pump iron. Instead of foraging for food, they go shopping for organic produce and take hikes to get back to nature. Which will live better, both in body and mind? The answer would appear self-evident.

Diet and the Urban Environment

The cities are much filled with processed and fast foods that have adverse effects on our health. It is documented that junk food is more available in poorer urban areas, it also enforces unhealthier options onto residents. (2)

Eating natural, organic foods is not a luxury, rather a health requirement for a healthy living. The body needs whole foods, not the commercialized products sold in most cities.

The diets of our ancestors were far from perfect, yet they were much closer to what our bodies have been designed to handle.

Pollution and Mental Health in Cities

The city is noisy, crowded, and full of pollution. There are less greenery and no fresh air; instead, there is the honking of cars, traffic jams, and rows upon rows of concrete. This translates into real consequences for our mental health.

Studies have found that city dwellers are 40% more likely to develop depression and 20% more likely to develop anxiety than those in rural areas. (3)  Another study discovered increased activity in the amygdala-a part of the brain which processes emotions such as fear and stress-of people living in cities. (4)

Nature: Our Forgotten Savior

Nature offers solutions to many of these problems. It has always been our greatest ally, providing food, fresh air, and peace of mind. Yet, we’ve become experts at destroying it through deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

Some people are content with urban living, junk food, and endless screen time. But for those of us who crave something deeper, nature is the answer. Research shows that spending time in nature can:

• Decrease stress
• Avoid disease
• Increase in happiness
• Bring calmness
• Foster spirituality

Imagine a world which has less stress, less problem of mental health and less diseases. Nature can resolve 90% problems of human beings. What about the Rest 10%

Our careers, education and job pull us to cities. The balance can be maintained as following:

Go for hiking on regular basis

Switch to whole foods

Spend more time outdoors as it will bring wind and sunlight to your body and your eyes in morning.

What Can We Do Together?

Governments and citizens must act in the interest of greener cities that encourage healthier lifestyles. Here’s how we can get started:

Spread awareness about the importance of nature, just like the way we spread awareness about money, love, and careers.

Support organizations and people fighting for climate change.

Encourage eco-friendly businesses and products.

Let the Revolution Begin

Nature is our mother, and she brought us into being and continues to nurture us. Now it’s payback time. By living a more natural life, one can improve their health and happiness and enhance their future.

So, are you ready to join the revolution?

Bibliography

1. [Online] https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/overview#:~:text=Today%2C%20some%2056%25%20of%20the,people%20will%20live%20in%20cities..

2. Today, MSU. [Online] https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/junk-food-around-schools-prevalent-in-poorer-urban-areas.

3. [Online] https://www.urbandesignmentalhealth.com/how-the-city-affects-mental-health.html.

4. [Online] https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10190.