Spending time in nature can act as a balm for our busy brains. And the sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.” Cognitive benefits “You can boost your mood just by walking in nature, even in urban nature. “There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human wellbeing,” says Lisa Nisbet, PhD, a psychologist at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, who studies connectedness to nature. In the process, scientists are charting a course for policymakers and the public to better tap into the healing powers of Mother Nature. But nature comes in all shapes and sizes, and psychological research is still fine-tuning our understanding of its potential benefits.
Most research so far has focused on green spaces such as parks and forests, and researchers are now also beginning to study the benefits of blue spaces, places with river and ocean views.
Our increasing reliance on technology, combined with a global trend toward urban living, means many of us are spending ever less time outdoors-even as scientists compile evidence of the value of getting out into the natural world.įrom a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Be honest: How much time do you spend staring at a screen each day? For most Americans, that number clocks in at more than 10 hours, according to a 2016 Nielsen Total Audience Report.
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