Ever noticed how good it feels to be outside…whether it’s watching the clouds, gazing at the night sky, watching the vastness of the ocean, the grandeur of mountains, the tranquillity of forests, or the delicate wonders of flora and fauna…nature’s scenes can inspire a profound sense of wonder, peace, and connection to the world around us. Being in nature, or even watching scenes of nature, can be like a soothing balm for a troubled mind.
- Stress reduction: Spending time in natural environments, such as parks or forests, has been found to reduce stress levels. Nature exposure has been associated with lowered cortisol levels (a hormone related to stress) and decreased activity in the amygdala, a brain region involved in the stress response. Nature exposure may help with the modulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to a decrease in sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity and an increase in parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. This balance promotes a state of relaxation and physiological well-being. See Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420-421. See Tyrväinen, L., Ojala, A., Korpela, K., Lanki, T., Tsunetsugu, Y., & Kagawa, T. (2014). The influence of urban green environments on stress relief measures: A field experiment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 38, 1-9.
- Improved mood and mental health: Being in nature has been linked to enhanced mood, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improved overall mental health. Studies have shown that nature walks and exposure to green spaces can lead to positive changes in self-reported well-being and happiness. See Pretty, J., Peacock, J., Sellens, M., & Griffin, M. (2005). The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(5), 319-337.
- Attention restoration: Nature has a rejuvenating effect on attention and cognitive function. Spending time in natural settings, such as gardens or parks, can improve attention and focus, enhance creativity, and reduce mental fatigue. Natural environments provide a “soft fascination” that captures attention without requiring cognitive effort, allowing the brain to rest and recover. See Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212.
- Enhanced cognitive performance: Nature experiences have been associated with improved cognitive performance, including better memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Exposure to natural environments has been found to increase brain activity in areas associated with cognitive processes and working memory. See Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212.
- Increased physical activity: Being in nature often involves physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or gardening. Regular exercise has well-established benefits for the brain, including increased neuroplasticity, improved memory, and reduced risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. See Erickson, K. I., Voss, M. W., Prakash, R. S., Basak, C., Szabo, A., Chaddock, L., … & Kramer, A. F. (2011). Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(7), 3017-3022.
It’s important to note that while these benefits are supported by research, individual experiences can vary. Some people may find more profound benefits from nature exposure than others. The specific duration and type of nature experience can also influence the extent of the brain benefits. Regardless, incorporating regular time in nature can be a valuable strategy for promoting brain health and overall well-being.
If this post has ignited your curiosity, you may like to check out the Podcast ‘Psychologists off the clock’, Episode 26, ‘Our psychology on nature’. It is very interesting!
And please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you would like some help with your mental health and wellbeing. To enquire about an appointment at Moving Forward Clinical Psychologists, please complete our Online Contact Form, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.