For generations, people have sought comfort in natural settings – whether through a walk in the woods, the sound of waves, or the sight of a sunset. Increasingly, scientific research is examining how these experiences may influence physical and mental wellbeing.

Psychologist Marc Berman, featured in the Hidden Brain podcast “How Nature Heals Us,” describes how natural environments engage the brain differently than urban ones. Urban settings often require sustained attention and decision-making, while nature tends to elicit “soft fascination” – a gentle form of attention that allows cognitive resources to recover¹.

Empirical studies support this idea. One experiment found that a 50-minute walk in a natural setting improved cognitive performance by approximately 20%². Exposure to nature sounds has also been associated with enhanced attention and mood regulation. These effects appear to extend beyond psychology – physiological responses such as reduced cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improved immune function have been documented in individuals spending time in forested environments³.

Mental health outcomes may also be influenced by proximity to green spaces. A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open reported that children living near green areas exhibited fewer internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression⁴. Similarly, a classic study found that hospital patients with views of nature recovered more quickly and required less pain medication than those without such views⁵.

These findings have contributed to the emergence of “green prescriptions” – recommendations by healthcare professionals for patients to spend time in nature as part of broader treatment strategies. While still under evaluation, this approach is gaining attention in public health systems in countries such as New Zealand and the UK⁶.

The mechanisms underlying these effects are multifaceted. Natural environments often contain fractal patterns – repeating geometric shapes found in tree branches, coastlines, and snowflakes – that are easier for the brain to process. These patterns may reduce cognitive load and contribute to a sense of calm⁷.

Importantly, access to nature does not require remote wilderness. Urban parks, tree-lined streets, and even nature imagery can offer measurable benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the scope and limitations of nature’s impact on health, current evidence suggests that regular exposure to natural environments may support cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

In a world increasingly shaped by digital and urban stimuli, integrating nature into daily life may offer a valuable complement to conventional health strategies.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

References

1. Berman MG, Jonides J, Kaplan S. The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychol Sci. 2008;19(12):1207-1212. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
2. Berman MG et al. Hidden Brain Podcast: How Nature Heals Us. Hidden Brain Media; November 3, 2025. Available from: https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/how-nature-heals-us
3. Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010;15(1):9-17. doi:10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3
4. Towe-Goodman N, McArthur KL, Willoughby M, et al. Green space and internalizing or externalizing symptoms among children. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(4):e245742. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5742
5. Ulrich RS. View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science. 1984;224(4647):420-421. doi:10.1126/science.6143402
6. Robinson JM, Breed MF. Green prescriptions and mental health: a review of evidence and potential pathways. Front Psychol. 2021;12:768948. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.768948
7. Taylor RP. Fractals in nature and art: why the brain finds them beautiful. Physics World. 2006;19(10):27-32.