A Call to Reconnect with Nature

Just before Covid-19 hit in 2020, I was in my second year trying to sell “nature” to offices and hotels around Milan. Back then at Hexagro (my former vertical farming startup), we realized that if we could not (yet) sell you the finished indoor-grown product, we could at least bring to your facilities a beautiful machine that, while growing delicious herbs, would restore a sense of “nature” in that space.

We noticed very soon, during our first installation, that people began to care for the system and its plants as if it were a pet. They were often more intrigued by watching the plants grow so fast than by harvesting them to eat.

That was the moment I understood something for the first time in my life: we are natural beings. Take us away from nature, and our bodies and minds start to crumble. Some deficiencies are so subtle we might never fully acknowledge them, yet they persist, quietly eroding our well-being.

The reality is that we’ve lost touch with one of the most essential aspects of our health—our connection to nature. This became painfully obvious when we were all locked indoors during the pandemic. With 90% of our lives spent indoors, we’ve distanced ourselves from the natural world we once relied on for balance and survival. Yet, this bond is critical for our physical, mental, and spiritual health.

As I studied deeper into scientific data, I came across the concept of biophilia—our innate human tendency to seek connections with nature—and startling statistics about how nature affects us. These discoveries were eye-opening and confirmed what my heart already knew: we need to reconnect with the natural world, now more than ever.

The Science of Biophilia and Our Health Connection

Biophilia suggests that humans are biologically wired to connect with nature. Research has consistently shown that exposure to natural environments improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.

But it’s not just about feeling good. Poorly designed indoor spaces can actively harm us. Researchers in biophilic design—focused on aligning built environments with human wellbeing—have linked artificial settings to Sick Building Syndrome. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dry coughs, and difficulty concentrating, all caused by poor air quality, insufficient lighting, and other environmental stressors.

Have you ever felt drained after hours in a building with no natural light or fresh air? You weren’t just tired—you were likely experiencing the effects of your environment. I’ll never forget walking into the UBS trading room in Zurich and being overwhelmed by the smell of indoor pollution from all the electronics and monitors. It was like the air itself was heavy.

Now imagine the opposite: spending time in a forest, breathing fresh air, or simply watering a plant in your home. These moments restore us because they align with our biological design. In Japan, doctors even prescribe “Shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing, as a remedy to counteract the health effects of urban living.

Next Level Performance: Quantum Being and the Power of Circadian Rhythms

Biophilia is just the beginning. In the biohacking world, a deeper framework is emerging—quantum biology. This field explores how light, temperature, and even the earth’s magnetic fields influence our biology at a quantum level.

One critical focus is circadian rhythms—your body’s internal clock that regulates sleep, hormones, and energy based on natural light cycles. These rhythms depend on signals from your environment, like sunlight. When disrupted by artificial light or too much time indoors, circadian dysfunction can lead to poor sleep, weakened immunity, and even metabolic issues.

For me, resetting my circadian rhythms was transformative. By exposing myself to natural sunlight each morning and reducing artificial light exposure at night, I noticed profound improvements in my energy and focus. A great resource to explore this topic further is The Quantum Biology Collective podcast by Meredith Oke 👇️ It’s sometimes a bit technical, but I love it and hardly miss a show!

Living Outdoors: A Radical Shift in Health

Six months ago, I made a radical lifestyle change: I left my apartment in Milan and embraced digital nomad life with my family. Our main goal? Spend as much time outdoors as indoors.

Now, I take calls while walking, even in cold weather, and choose places where green spaces are easily accessible. The results have been life-changing—my energy has skyrocketed, my mental clarity has sharpened, and don’t get me started on stamina! (no seriously, if you want me to make an article about this, let me know. There’s a huge testosterone epidemics going on…)

Scientific evidence supports this. Studies show that spending time outdoors reduces cortisol levels and boosts creativity. Even cold exposure has been linked to improved immune function and cardiovascular health.

Nature: Our Most Accessible Healer and Source of Energy

Ancient wisdom and modern science both recognize the profound healing power of nature. Practices like spending time outdoors, grounding, and connecting with green spaces are not only deeply beneficial for our health but are also entirely free and available to everyone.

A tool I now use regularly is the UV index. It helps me optimize sunlight exposure based on where I am and the season. On days with a low UV index, I prioritize spending more time outdoors to ensure I meet my Vitamin D needs.

Throughout my journey, I’ve experimented with numerous health strategies, but nothing has been as impactful as simply aligning with nature. By immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can recharge our bodies and minds, reduce stress, and boost our overall wellbeing.

I encourage you to reconnect with nature, however you can. It’s a simple, yet powerful step toward better health, and the benefits are too profound to ignore. Ready to start? How will you integrate nature into your life?