In this video, Professor Gert-Jan Pepping introduces an ecological approach to health and wellbeing. Rather than seeing wellbeing as something that happens only inside the mind or body, this perspective looks at the relationship between a person and their environment — including nature, movement, community, routines, and the opportunities for action around them.
The video explains key ideas in simple terms. “Affordances” are the invitations an environment gives us, such as a walking trail inviting movement, a steep hill inviting effort, or a quiet natural space inviting attention and reflection. A “form of life” refers to the shared habits, skills, and routines that develop when people take part in meaningful activities together, such as walking in a supportive group. “Niche construction” means actively shaping our surroundings so they support healthier choices, rather than leaving wellbeing to chance.
Through these ideas, the video shows how resilience can grow from the interaction between nature, purposeful action, supportive communities, and environments that make healthier behaviour easier and more natural.