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Psychedelics and Nature Connectedness: Potential for Restoring a Lost Relationship

Updated: Apr 28

By Macey Webb, Michelle Olofsson and Tiger Swithenbank-Michel Executive Committee members of the Drug Science Student Society Network


In recent human history, we are experiencing an unprecedented increase in ecological harms and mental health-related issues. Today, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability, affecting 1 in 8 people worldwide (Kieling et al., 2024; Mental Disorders, n.d.). At the same time, global temperatures continue to break records annually, and extreme weather events persist in threatening both people and the environment. Some projections estimate that climate change could cause 250,000 deaths per year from malnutrition and heat stress alone by the year 2030 (Climate Change, n.d.). 


As people have worked to treat these growing challenges, some have suggested a common cause underlying both: a disconnect between humans and nature. In this blog, we examine the relationship between nature connectedness, mental health, and ecological behaviors and explore whether psychedelics may offer a means to help restore this relationship. 



The Importance of Nature Connectedness 


Take a look at any period of art, literature, and philosophy over human history and you can find examples of humans turning to nature for inspiration, meaning, and a sense of belonging. Today, research is showing what we may already intuitively know; nature plays an integral role in mental health. Studies show that spending time in nature is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, reduced stress, and increased meaning of life (Berman et al., 2008; Howell & Passmore, 2013; “(PDF) Meaning in Nature,” 2024).


Why is this? One theory, known as the Attention Restoration Theory, suggests that nature gives our minds a break. Unlike the constant stimulation of screens, traffic, and social media – natural settings, such as trees in the wind or flowing water, may be more effortlessly engaging (Full Article: Attention Restoration Theory: A Systematic Review of the Attention Restoration Potential of Exposure to Natural Environments, n.d.).  Other researchers suggest nature reminds people they are a part of something larger, helping people step back from their own worries and feel more connected to the world (Callicott, 2017). Whatever the mechanism may be, it is clear that nature connectedness is closely linked to mental health and well-being. 





A Growing Disconnect from Nature 


Today, modern societies are witnessing an unprecedented disconnect with nature alongside increasing social isolation. Over the last century, urbanisation and technological advancements have altered daily life;  people now spend more time indoors and on screens, with less access and exposure to natural environments (Ballouard et al., 2011; Pergams & Zaradic, 2006). As a result, nature connectedness has reached an all-time low globally (Soga & Gaston, 2016). 


However, nature connectedness is also about more than just individual well-being. This disconnect has significant environmental consequences. Research suggests that psychological disconnect from nature makes people less motivated to engage with environmental challenges (Willis et al., 2024). Studies show that people who feel connected to nature are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors such as recycling, conserving water, and choosing sustainable transportation (Martin et al., 2020). In the face of rising environmental and mental health crises, rebuilding a connection with nature may be a key piece of the puzzle to addressing both of these issues. 



Investigating the Potential of Psychedelics to Enhance Nature Connectedness 


Over the past two decades, psychedelic research has expanded significantly, with clinical trials showing promise in the treatment of different mental health disorders. Interestingly, one of the key therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics seems to lie in their ability to enhance feelings of connectedness, both to other people and the natural world. This has led to a newer emerging area of research exploring whether psychedelics could specifically strengthen nature connectedness, and promote pro-environmental behaviors (Kettner et al., 2019). In this study, authors administered a tool called the “Nature Relatedness Scale” to 654 participants before and 2 weeks after psychedelic use. The results showed significant increases in nature-relatedness 2-weeks post-psychedelic use, with levels of nature connectedness enhanced for up to 2 years. This increase was positively correlated with ego dissolution and reported feelings of connection with natural surroundings during the psychedelic experience. However, it should be noted that these results may be inflated by selection bias, meaning that people who were interested in partaking in a study on psychedelics may be more likely to have positive views on its effects. Also, the participants were generally from highly educated backgrounds and male, limiting generalisability of these findings.  


Other studies on users of psychedelic drugs have also shown associations between psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and ayahuasca with higher feelings of nature-relatedness (Forstmann et al., 2023). Contradictory to these findings in 2023, Forstmann and Sagioglou, 2017, showed that only psilocybin reliably and strongly predicted nature–relatedness, unlike other classic psychedelics. While this work is mostly correlational, and there is still much to learn, researchers have proposed three main theories to explain this link (Forstmann & Sagioglou, 2025).



Three Potential Ways Psychedelics May Enhance Nature Connectedness: 


Ego-Dissolution

Psychedelics often induce what is called ‘ego dissolution’ – a state where people feel a reduced sense of separation between themselves and the world around them. Neuroscience research has suggested this is because of psychedelics' action on the 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, which are abundant in brain regions involved in self-related processing (such as the default mode network (DMN)). Psychedelic activation of these receptors disrupts ordinary processing of self-identity, causing profound changes in perception of self  (Soares et al., 2023). In one study that explored experiences with psychedelics and nature connectedness, many reported a strong sense of unity with nature that felt deeply meaningful (Forstmann & Sagioglou, 2025). For example, one person shares:   


“I couldn’t tell where my body ended and the trees began, when the wind moved through the leaves, I felt it as my own movement”. 


Enhanced Empathy and Positive Emotions

Psychedelics can induce intense emotional experiences, including profound feelings of love, interconnectedness, and meaning in life (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018). These effects are thought to stem from increased activation of emotional processing systems, as well as the lowered activity of brain areas related to self-referential thinking. In some cases, this manifests as a strong feeling of love for nature. One participant from Forstmann and Sagioglou’s study described it as: 


“I felt such deep love for every living thing around me. Every living plant felt precious and alive”


This aligns with research showing psychedelics' effects on emotional processing and empathy, which may help strengthen a bond with the natural world (Bhatt & Weissman, 2024). 


Changes in Beliefs About Nature 

Another commonly noted effect of psychedelics is their potential to alter deeply held beliefs.  According to information processing theories of the brain, psychedelics enhance neural integration, meaning that there is increased communication between different brain regions. This heightened connectivity is thought to increase cognitive flexibility, allowing individuals to re-evaluate previously long-held beliefs and become more open to new ways of thinking  (Carhart-Harris & Friston, 2019). In the context of nature, some individuals report that psychedelics fundamentally shift their perspective on the natural world, altering how they see their place within it.  Many describe a newfound feeling of ecological interconnectedness, expressing insights such as:


“we’re all part of the same ecosystem”

Or,

“I could see how everything in nature depends on everything else”. 


These cognitive shifts may also help explain why psychedelics have been associated with increased pro-environmental behaviour, as people develop a deeper appreciation for the value of the natural world and the role of people in maintaining its balance (Forstmann & Sagioglou, 2017).



Recognising indigenous perspectives on nature connectedness and psychedelics 


The rapid growth in psychedelic research over the past 20 years is often referred to as a “psychedelic renaissance”. Indeed, after decades of criminalisation and stigmatisation of psychedelic substances, investigation of medicinal applications of psychedelics may suggest a paradigm shift in Western perspective on alternative treatments of mental health and well-being. However, although psychedelics as medicine may seem like a new concept to Western medicine, it is important to acknowledge communities who have long histories of practice with psychedelics - as well as different beliefs about the relationships between humans and nature. For example, Indigenous people from Turtle Island to Abya Yala have considered psychedelic plants as living beings with whom they communicate through various ritual and ceremonial language. As such, while the research discussed earlier shows correlations between psychedelic use and nature connectedness, it was conducted with people from Western countries - primarily the United States and United Kingdom. While among those participants, it was common to experience the idea that “we’re all part of the same ecosystem” as new and profound, this might not hold true for communities where connectedness with nature is already deeply embedded within the culture. Importantly, this raises a risk of epistemic injustice - where perspectives on psychedelics and nature connectedness are dominated by Western interpretations while overlooking Indigenous knowledge systems that have preserved their practices and relationships with nature for generations. Yuli Celdiwan, a native of the indigenous Nahua and Mayan descent and scholar has written extensively on the ethical principles of traditional indigenous practices with psychedelics, writing that “these medicines are not about the human mind alone, they reveal Spirit, the very animating principle of Life” (Natividad, 2023). Celdiwan describes the risks of cultural appropriation, limited recognition of sacred practices, and limited attention to indigenous world views (Celidwen et al., 2023).





A Word of Caution: Research is Still Early


While these theories and findings are promising, they should be interpreted with caution. This body of research remains in early stages and is largely based on self-reported data from individuals from experienced psychedelic users - many of whom may already have certain beliefs about psychedelics and nature. Throughout this article, we’ve learned that nature connectedness has a pivotal influence on mental health and ecological harm. However, what does this mean for the advancement of interventions to better support our current mental health and ecological crisis? 


As our societies grapple with environmental and mental health challenges, investigating potential avenues for restoring relations with nature is more important than ever.  Despite the limitations discussed within psychedelic research, there are important questions raised as to how psychedelics might help restore our relationship with nature. Here at the SSN Drug Science, we are excited to see where this new wave of research leads and look forward to exploring the potential of psychedelics to foster a deeper connection to nature and well-being. 





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