Simple Nature-Based Technique Proven to Enhance Well-Being
Discover how simple attention to natural features like sounds, textures, and scents in gardens and green spaces can significantly improve mental well-being and emotional health.
A recent study conducted at RHS Wisley's Wellbeing Garden, in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the University of Sheffield, reveals that simply paying attention to natural features such as birdsong, plant textures, and scents can significantly boost individuals' mental and emotional health. Published in People and Nature, the research involved 79 participants divided into three groups: those encouraged to notice natural elements, those prompted to focus on human-made features, and a control group with no specific prompts.
Participants who were guided to focus on natural surroundings experienced notable improvements in mood, positive emotions, and psychological restoration. They reported feeling more relaxed, calmer, and more connected to their environment, alongside physical signs like slowed breathing and decreased stress levels. The findings emphasize that even minor attentional shifts—like observing the sounds or textures of nature—can have meaningful effects on well-being.
Lead researcher Bethany Harries explained that simple interventions such as interpretive signs, guided walks, or digital trails could promote deeper engagement with nature. Such strategies could be implemented in parks, gardens, and urban green spaces to maximize restorative benefits. Furthermore, the study highlights that focusing on human-made features might diminish the positive effects of natural environments, underscoring the need for thoughtful landscape design that minimizes distractions and enhances sensory engagement.
This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, landscape architects, and health professionals aiming to harness natural surroundings to promote mental health. The upcoming RHS blueprint for well-being gardens, set to launch in spring 2026, will incorporate scientific findings to help individuals create nurturing outdoor spaces at home or within communities. Overall, the study underscores that active awareness and engagement with nature hold significant potential for improving psychological health and fostering a stronger connection to the environment.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Positive Childhood Experiences Offer Protective Benefits Against Disordered Eating in College Students
A new study shows that positive childhood experiences can significantly protect college students from developing disordered eating behaviors, highlighting the importance of nurturing environments during childhood.
Understanding the Link Between Childhood Trauma and Dental Anxiety
Exploring how childhood trauma and stressful experiences can lead to increased dental fear in adolescents, highlighting the importance of compassionate dental care and open communication.
Research Finds Consistent Spousal Similarities in Nine Psychiatric Disorders Across Generations
A large-scale international study reveals that spouses show consistent similarities across nine psychiatric disorders, persisting over generations and across cultures, highlighting the roles of genetics and social factors in mental health.
Former Surgeon General Warns of Social Media's Impact on Children's Health
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warns that social media poses significant risks to children's mental and physical health, urging legislative action to protect youth online.