A recent review published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews has examined how exposure to nature influences brain activity and emotional well-being. The review assessed 108 peer-reviewed studies that used neuroimaging techniques such as EEG, MRI, fMRI, and fNIRS to explore the effects of natural environments on cognitive and affective processes.
The authors found that spending time in nature can improve attention, reduce stress, and boost mood. Three main theories were highlighted: Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which suggests nature helps restore focus; Stress Recovery Theory (SRT), which proposes that natural settings rapidly reduce stress; and the Biophilia Hypothesis, which argues humans have an innate drive to connect with nature.
"Neuroimaging research provides compelling evidence that exposure to natural environments confers diverse neural, cognitive, and emotional benefits. However, most of the reviewed studies were conducted in healthy adult populations and relied on heterogeneous, often correlational designs, meaning the findings should not be interpreted as definitive causal proof or generalized to clinical groups. The authors also note the possibility of publication bias and call for more preregistered, longitudinal, and mechanistic trials."
The review indicated that different types of environments—such as forests, wetlands (blue spaces), and urban areas—have varying impacts on brain function. Green spaces generally enhanced both emotional and cognitive well-being indicators. Blue spaces like wetlands provided the fastest stress recovery. Urban or built environments were less effective in promoting recovery.
Researchers observed that a minimum of 15 minutes spent in high-quality natural settings led to stronger positive outcomes. Activities such as gardening or relaxing outdoors resulted in measurable improvements in neural relaxation (increased alpha power), mood enhancement, and reduced stress levels.
The study also compared real-world exposure with immersive virtual experiences. While virtual environments showed some benefits, real-world nature exposure typically produced stronger restorative effects.
The review proposed a neurobiological “restorative cascade,” where sensory processing of natural scenes reduces perceptual load in early visual regions of the brain. This is followed by downregulation of stress responses through limbic circuits, attentional restoration via alpha–theta synchronization, and increased connectivity within networks associated with emotional coherence.
Long-term engagement with restorative environments may lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function. However, much of this evidence remains correlational.
"Future studies should leverage longitudinal designs, incorporate ecological momentary assessment, and explore underlying neurobiological mechanisms in more diverse and clinical cohorts. Expanding interdisciplinary approaches can inform the integration of nature-based interventions into urban design, public health policy, and personalized mental health care, maximizing restorative outcomes for society at large."
The authors emphasized the need for further research using longitudinal methods across broader populations to clarify causal relationships between nature exposure and mental health benefits.
