Impacts of Beautiful Natural Surroundings on Happiness: Issues of Environmental Disruption, Food, Water Security and Lifestyle in Modern Times

Abstract

Purpose: Recently, purpose in life (PIL) drawn from existentialism and the concept of ikigai [meaning in his/her life] from Japanese classical literature have been recognized as effective ways to manage stress. PIL/ikigai is related to a function of the prefrontal lobe of the brain and influences happiness. However, many factors, including negative experiences, seem to inhibit development of PIL/ikigai and prefrontal lobe function. Using established evidence, the author discusses these issues in relation to increasing happiness. Established Evidence: Genetic factors that affect prefrontal lobe function have not significantly changed since modern humans first emerged, but epigenetic changes caused by stress and chemicals influence gene expression. Development of the prefrontal lobe is influenced by sensory and motor experiences, the parent–infant relationship, stress, chemicals, and pollution. PIL/ikigai develops through positive experiences of playing and spending sufficient time in beautiful natural surroundings in cooperation with others and setting challenging goals and achieving them in conjunction with forming positive impressions. Historically, individuals who lived in natural surroundings, relied on cooperative relationships in their daily lives, and traveled on foot to obtain food. Humans today have the convenience of being able to obtain food in an urban setting. However, pollution, whether by disruption of the environment or pesticides, causes epigenetic changes that can lead to disease. Conclusion: Individuals should play more often and spend more time in beautiful natural surroundings in cooperation with others and set challenging goals and achieve them in conjunction with forming positive impressions. Environmental disruption and pesticide use should be minimized. In this way, increasing PIL/ikigai and fostering development of prefrontal lobe structure and function may increase overall levels of happiness.