There is increasing evidence that spending time in nature can positively impact our mental health and overall wellness.
However, a recent investigation indicates that one does not necessarily have to be physically present in nature to experience these benefits. Simply shifting your focus towards natural surroundings, even while in an urban environment, has the potential to improve well-being.
The study, published in the journal People and Nature, employed eye-tracking technology to examine the impact of concentrating on natural rather than man-made elements on mental health.
City life, characterised by its rapid pace and high stress levels, has been associated with various mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.
To conduct the study, the research team enlisted 117 adult participants. These individuals were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the first group concentrated on natural elements like trees (referred to as the green group), the second group focused on man-made elements such as buildings (referred to as the grey group), and the third group concentrated on a combination of both natural and man-made elements (referred to as the mixed group).
Every participant was equipped with specialised eye-tracking glasses during a 45-minute guided tour around town and the campus. The route featured ten designated stopping points that were intended to highlight either natural or man-made elements, depending on the group.
Prior to and after the tour, participants filled out surveys to evaluate their mood, anxiety levels, and the restorative effects of the tour. The surveys utilised standardised assessments such as the positive and negative affect schedule (Panas) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (Stai).
Throughout the tour, the eye-tracking glasses recorded the participants' gaze, enabling researchers to measure the amount of time spent focusing on green (natural) or grey (man-made) elements.
The method provided an accurate and unbiased way to measure visual engagement, reinforcing the connection between nature exposure and enhanced well-being. The data indicated that each group did indeed spend more time observing the scenery we instructed them to focus on.
The findings were impressive. Participants who paid more attention to green elements reported notable enhancements in mood and decreased anxiety in comparison to those who concentrated on grey elements.
They also displayed higher levels of positive emotions and lower levels of anxiety after the walk. Additionally, they reported feeling more invigorated and revitalised.
However, the group that concentrated on grey elements did not display these improvements, and the mixed group demonstrated moderate results, which suggests that even a partial focus on nature can be beneficial.
These discoveries have significant implications for urban planning and mental health practices. Creating urban environments that include natural elements and promote visual connection with nature could help alleviate the mental health challenges of city life.
For example, city planners could prioritise green spaces, tree-lined streets, parks, and ponds that encourage individuals to pause and appreciate the natural beauty.
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