Nature exerts a healing influence on both the body and the mind. The ability to effortlessly focus our attention on serene natural settings without the need for deliberate concentration can foster a sense of tranquility and alleviate stress and anxiety. Research indicates that even virtual representations of peaceful natural environments can promote relaxation in both mental and physical states.

A recent study, however, suggests that merely visualizing natural landscapes and scenarios can yield similar calming effects. To explore this phenomenon, researchers Mika Koivisto from the University of Turku in Finland and Simone Grassini from the University of Bergen in Norway conducted an investigation involving 50 students.

Study findings revealed the following:

Participants were subjected to a task intended to induce stress, after which they were instructed to envision scenes featuring natural elements such as mountains, flowers, and beaches, as well as urban elements like bars, alleys, and motorbikes. The researchers measured the participants' physiological and psychological responses, including heart rate, heart rate variability, and electrodermal activity.

The results were striking. Participants who imagined nature-related scenarios exhibited greater relaxation and recovery. They experienced a decrease in heart rate and an increase in heart rate variability, both of which are indicators of enhanced relaxation.

Mika Koivisto and Simone Grassini stated, “These results carry significant implications for psychological therapies. Our findings indicate that when direct access to nature is unavailable, utilizing nature imagery may serve as a valid alternative to actual nature visits”

Discussing the influence of nature on mental well-being, the researchers further elaborated in their paper, “The overall trends observed in both subjective and physiological measures support the idea that mental imagery of nature can have restorative benefits. Furthermore, we propose that the personal significance of nature to individuals moderates the effects of such imagery, suggesting that a stronger connection to nature enhances the restorative impact of nature imagery”

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