Europe’s level of urbanisation is expected to increase to approximately 83.7% in 2050. Despite the long-standing migration trend of more and more people moving to cities, researchers have found that in developed countries, people who live in rural areas tend to be happier than residents of cities. This phenomenon is often referred to as the rural happiness “paradox.”
So what is it about rural life that seems to give it the happiness edge over cities? First of all people in rural areas experienced closer-knit social networks which significantly increased residents’ feelings of happiness, and secondly, these people had easier access to nature which contributed big time to their levels of happiness.
Over the course of the years, we’ve witnessed at TrendsActive the increasing need for strong social connections, and the need for transcendence and simplicity which are often found in nature. With the growing pressure on our mental well-being, would moving towards more rural areas be a solution? With all the progress in remote working options, there seems to be no better time for a trial(-and-error). Let’s see if the reality of living in the countryside fulfil our desire for a more meaningful, simpler, and more socially connected life. Read along to learn more about the benefits of nature on our mental well-being.
