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“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
In 1984, an influential study by Roger Ulrich, published in Science, introduced a now widely discussed idea: even a passive view of nature can influence human wellbeing. In a hospital setting, patients recovering from surgery were split into two groups—those with a view of trees, and those with a view of a brick wall. The group with the natural view experienced shorter hospital stays and required less pain medication (Ulrich, 1984).
Though the study had limitations (small sample size, non-randomized groups), it marked the beginning of a large body of empirical research exploring the connection between nature and mental health.
Yet long before the scientific studies, many cultures already recognized nature’s restorative power. In ancient Greece, therapeia included healing gardens as part of medical practice. Across Asian traditions, harmony with the natural world remains central to concepts of balance and wellness. In Japan, the practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, emerged as a mindful immersion in natural environments to promote physical and mental well-being. In the 19th century, before antibiotics, sanatoriums for tuberculosis were intentionally built in forested or mountainous areas based on the belief that fresh air and nature supported recovery.
Today, modern science is catching up to this long-standing intuition. Four decades and thousands of citations later, the evidence is clear: regular contact with nature, whether direct or indirect, is linked to improved mood, reduced stress, better attention, and overall psychological wellbeing.
Research now spans diverse populations, environments, and methods and the results are striking:
These effects are not only psychological. They're increasingly supported by physiological and neuroscientific data—such as EEG readings, heart rate variability, and salivary stress biomarkers.
Several frameworks help explain why nature affects mental wellbeing so strongly:
This theory suggests that nature captures our attention in a soft, effortless way called "soft fascination." This allows our directed attention (used for tasks and problem solving) to recover from fatigue.
Humans evolved to prefer landscapes that signal safety and resource abundance. Natural scenes trees, water, open spaces tend to reduce physiological arousal and promote calm.
Coined by E.O. Wilson, the biophilia hypothesis suggests humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. This connection is not just emotional, it’s evolutionary and adaptive.
Access to nature is not equally distributed. Urban planning, socioeconomic factors, and geographic location all play a role. But the good news is: even indirect exposure to nature can support wellbeing.
Here’s how:
Even when deep immersion isn’t possible, designing for passive exposure through light, sound, visuals, or greenery can still promote healing with nature.
The evidence doesn’t just support individual action; it points to the importance of system-level change. Schools, healthcare facilities, and offices can incorporate natural elements to support cognitive and emotional well-being.
Examples include:
Nature is not a luxury; it’s a modifiable factor in the public health equation. As we grapple with rising stress levels, screen time, and urbanization, the biophilia effect offers a low-cost, evidence-based way to build healthier communities.
Feeling good, focusing better, and managing stress are foundational to human wellbeing. The growing body of research confirms what many cultures have long known: nature supports mental health.
Even a window view of trees, a few indoor plants, or the sound of birdsong can trigger a restorative response. And while direct, immersive nature experiences are ideal, small daily interactions with nature, both real and simulated, can have a measurable impact.
When it comes to healing with nature, sometimes, it starts with something as simple as looking out the window.
The biophilia effect refers to the beneficial mental and physical responses humans experience when they connect with nature, based on our innate evolutionary drive to affiliate with life.
Eco therapy involves structured or unstructured time in nature to improve mental wellbeing. It can range from forest walks to gardening or simply being outdoors.
Yes. Studies show that virtual nature experiences (videos, VR, sounds) can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive performance even in controlled environments like hospitals or classrooms.
Spending at least 120 minutes per week in natural settings is associated with higher levels of wellbeing, regardless of age or health status.
From Impact with love,
Mirta Zupan
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