Nature Belonging Reduces Loneliness

A survey study around Norway’s Mjøsa lake found that people who both spend time in solo outdoor activities and report a stronger sense of connectedness to nature report lower levels of loneliness; casual nature‑engagement (walking, bird‑watching) predicted lower loneliness more than exercise‑focused outings like jogging. The effect suggests that 'belonging' can be extended from human communities to natural environments and that that sense of belonging has measurable mental‑health benefits. — If feeling part of nature lowers loneliness, public‑health and urban planning policies (parks, access programs, social prescriptions) can be reframed to include nature‑connectedness as an inexpensive mental‑health intervention.