In “Stress-Reducing Effects of Real and Artificial Nature in a Hospital Waiting Room,” researchers compared patients in rooms with plants and nature scenes to those in standard waiting rooms without such elements. It probably comes as no surprise that patients surrounded by plants – or even photos of natural environments – reported lower levels of stress. It scaffolds what many of us already know about exposure to forests, rivers, and clear, blue sky – convening with nature can result in positive effects on our overall health and wellbeing.

Interestingly, the hospital waiting room study found little to no difference in the response of patients who were exposed to real, living plants and those who were exposed only to photos of nature. Both groups rated their rooms as more attractive than rooms without either intervention, and both groups experienced lower stress levels than the control group.

Most of us are aware that time in nature can be restorative – scores of research studies have suggested that stress and anxiety can fade after a morning spent convening with the trees. For many adults, a trip to the countryside might not be in the cards, however, exposure to photographs of natural scenes offer a quick, inexpensive, and enjoyable way to provide a temporary boost in executive attention. Executive attention, or the ability of the brain to keep information active and in focus, is also the function used to control thoughts and behaviors.

Few times in history has life been as wholly disrupted as it has been with the appearance of the novel coronavirus. It’s no wonder that more than 80% of Americans feel the pandemic is having a negative impact on their mental health (America’s Mental Health COVID-19 Pulse Study). At the top of the list are increased anxiety, insomnia, depression, and loneliness. 

“Simulated” nature, i.e. photographs, tend to be more effective in stress reduction than images of urban settings. Outdoor imagery stimulates a larger portion of the visual cortex, and trigger more pleasure receptors in the brain (Biophilic Design Patterns). This can lead to a release of the chemical dopamine, which has been shown to increase feelings of well-being and happiness, as well as improve sleep, motivation and learning.

American mental health is on the decline. In the spring of 2020, when coronavirus slammed into the United States, anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia prescriptions increased by 21% according to a study conducted by Cigna.  It is well-known and frequently studied that our lives are too stressful, too consumed by technology, and too controlled by negative thoughts and emotions. And while significant mental health concerns should be evaluated by medical professionals, there may be some good news for those us seeking easier, at-home solutions to provide stress relief.

In the article “Greenspace Ecotherapy Interventions researchers found that even as little as 1-5 minutes spent in nature-based, self-guided activities can help participants relax, escape negative thoughts, increase mindfulness, improve attention span, and cultivate more positive feelings. After the experience, 82% of participants reported some level of stress relief.