Time and time again, I am happy to share with you findings from scientific research that reinforce what many of us intuitively know: nature has an important impact on our well-being.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health investigated how simply viewing images of nature can improve mood and affect brain activity. The research, conducted by a team from Yamaguchi University and Chiba University in Japan, provides fascinating insights into the connection between natural environments and mental well-being.

The Study: How Nature Affects Mood and the Brain

Researchers designed a randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of viewing images of nature versus images of built environments (urban scenes). Thirty young adults participated in the study, each exposed to nature and city images for three minutes in a counterbalanced order. During the experiment, their brain activity was monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures changes in blood oxygenation in the brain.

Participants also reported their mood immediately after viewing each set of images, focusing on three key aspects: comfortableness, relaxation, and vigor. The results showed that viewing images of nature significantly increased feelings of comfort and relaxation compared to urban images, though no significant change was observed in vigor.

Brain Activity and the Role of the Orbitofrontal Cortex

One of the key findings of the study was that viewing nature images reduced activity in a specific region of the brain: the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). The OFC plays a critical role in emotional processing, decision-making, and evaluating pleasurable or unpleasant experiences. Research suggests that an overactive OFC is often linked to anxiety and depression, making this discovery particularly relevant for mental health research.

Interestingly, the researchers did not observe significant changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), another brain region associated with cognitive control and emotional regulation. However, a trend suggested that the left dlPFC might also be influenced by nature exposure.

What This Means for You

This study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that exposure to nature—even in the form of images—can help reduce stress and improve mood. This has important implications for everyday life:

• Incorporating Nature into Daily Life: If spending time in a forest or park isn’t always feasible, consider decorating your living or work space with nature-inspired art, posters, or even digital wallpapers featuring natural landscapes.

• Therapeutic Potential: Given that the OFC is often overactive in individuals with anxiety and depression, engaging with nature may have potential therapeutic benefits for mental health treatment.

• Designing Healthier Cities: Urban planners and architects might consider integrating more green spaces into cityscapes, recognizing the positive impact of nature on mental well-being.

Application to Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy

The findings of this study are highly relevant to the practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) or Forest Therapy Guides, even when sessions are not conducted in a deep forest environment. The research suggests that simply engaging with images or elements of nature—such as plants, wood textures, or nature-inspired designs—can provide calming and therapeutic effects. This means that for individuals who may still be hesitant or afraid of being in a dense forest, guides can adapt their sessions by incorporating nature imagery, indoor plants, or even urban parks with green spaces. By gradually easing participants into nature-connected experiences, Forest Therapy Guides can create a safe and accessible introduction to the restorative benefits of forest while addressing individual comfort levels and potential anxieties.

Future research could explore how long these mood-enhancing effects last and whether they extend to different age groups or individuals with varying mental health conditions. Additionally, studies could compare the effects of different types of nature imagery, such as forests, oceans, or flowers, to determine if certain environments are more effective in promoting relaxation and positive emotions.

What remains clear is that nature—whether experienced directly or through visual representations—has a calming effect on the brain. These findings can help us all make more mindful choices about how we interact with our surroundings.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS): A non-invasive imaging technique used to measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygen levels.

• Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC): A region of the brain involved in emotional processing, decision-making, and reward evaluation.

• Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dlPFC): A brain region associated with cognitive control, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

• Randomized Controlled Trial: A research method in which participants are randomly assigned to different conditions to compare effects.

• Neurovascular Coupling: The relationship between brain activity and changes in blood flow, which allows researchers to infer neural activity using techniques like fNIRS.

• Cohen’s d: A statistical measure used to indicate the effect size or strength of a relationship in research studies.