Impact of nature on human health and psychology

Scientific research and psychological studies indicate a strong connection between natural environments and improved human health. Exposure to green spaces and natural scenery is linked to physiological benefits, such as reduced heart rates, lower cortisol levels, and decreased mortality rates, particularly regarding cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.

Studies across various regions suggest that natural settings provide a “spatial emotional stimulus” that aids in surgical recovery and disease prevention. Psychologically, the color green and contact with vegetation are associated with feelings of safety and renewal, offering a necessary reprieve for the nervous system from the constant stimuli of modern urban environments.

Recent findings expand on these benefits, noting that patients with views of nature require less pain medication than those facing brick walls. Research in England linked green space exposure to reduced mortality, while in Tokyo, senior citizens showed a positive association between survival rates and access to walkable green spaces. In Holland, residents in greener areas were less likely to be diagnosed with 15 out of 24 examined health issues. Furthermore, the loss of natural scenery, such as the ash tree depletion caused by the emerald ash borer in the US, has been studied for its impact on mortality rates.

Beyond clinical settings, nature exposure is linked to reduced anxiety, lower depression rates, and decreased blood pressure. Architectural designs, such as those used by Maggie’s cancer support centers in the UK, Hong Kong, and Japan, utilize floor-to-ceiling windows and gardens for therapeutic effects. Even simulated nature has shown impact; a study at an Oregon correctional institution found that inmates viewing nature footage experienced a 26 percent reduction in violent offenses.