Did you know that looking at nature pictures can be a remedy to help you reduce stress and anxiety and relax?
This idea of looking at something aesthetically pleasing, such as nature’s pictures, makes sense when considering the facts.
Imagine this.
Maybe you have just returned home from work. It’s been a hard day, and you just want to unwind. You had thought about going out for a walk, but it’s raining and cold outside. So you grab your phone and, by chance, start scrolling through your old pictures. You come across some photos that remind you of good times. Your mind becomes distracted away from work as you relax and smile.
You see, in our bustling lives, filled with deadlines, commitments, and constant interaction with technology, moments to unwind and reduce stress and anxiety become more valuable. Yet, achieving this can be as simple as clicking or a gentle swipe through old pictures of nature’s artwork.
Art is considered subjective; it is whatever the person wants it to be. A branch of psychology is connected to art because people are emotionally attached to it, whether it’s a beautiful oil painting or a photo of your holiday on your phone.
Although we can use top-down cognition to link to art, we also use our senses to stimulate and connect with our brains, as we like to give meaning to what we see. However, abstract art is more about the senses than the picture’s meaning.
Research reveals that even glimpsing images of serene beaches, lush forests, and majestic mountains can significantly lift our spirits and soothe our nerves. This isn’t just poetic musings; it’s a fact backed by science.
In this blog, we’ll explore how and why setting your sights on these beautiful vistas can help calm your mind and offer a much-needed escape from the stressors of daily life.
The science behind nature’s calming effects
There is a psychological effect when we immerse ourselves in nature, whether walking in the park, viewing through a window, or even looking at a beautiful picture. This phenomenon isn’t just fiction, as it is supported by psychological research in neuroscience and environmental studies.
Our brains look for patterns such as symmetry, reflections and light.
Many people are visual, seeing things in their mind’s eyes, but some may also feel things when they look at a picture. Other senses might also come to mind.
Psychological Benefits:
Studies have shown that looking at images of nature can help reduce feelings of stress and increase emotional resilience. They can help people to feel much more positive.
One pivotal study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology outlines how natural beauty can replenish the fatigued mind, restore attention, and promote a greater sense of vitality and energy.
Physiological Responses:
The benefits extend beyond mental health. Viewing natural landscapes has been associated with reduced cortisol levels, the hormone often used to indicate stress. Moreover, researchers have found that engaging with nature, even visually, can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate variability, and decrease the production of stress hormones.
Attention Restoration Theory (ART):
Rachel and Stephen Kaplan developed this theory. ART suggests that natural scenes naturally draw our attention. This effortless engagement allows people to focus attention away from heavily taxed urban and work environments and to help us focus on relaxing and enjoyable things. For instance, the gentle rustling of leaves or the rhythmic crashing of ocean waves can provide a restorative, meditative-like effect.
Stress Reduction Theory:
Roger Ulrich’s research shows how environments shape our emotional states. He emphasises that natural vistas can expedite emotional and physiological healing from stress much more effectively than urban settings lacking natural features. In his seminal 1984 study, Ulrich discovered that patients who had views of nature from their hospital rooms recovered quicker from surgery than those whose views consisted only of brick walls.
These findings highlight nature’s profound effect on our minds and bodies, illustrating why incorporating elements of nature into our everyday spaces can be incredibly advantageous. Simple additions like a nature-themed picture on a work desk or a scenic wallpaper on a computer can serve as quick, effective tools for reducing anxiety and boosting overall wellness.
With a deeper understanding of how nature impacts our psychological and physiological states, we gain insight into the significant role of viewing such scenes in alleviating daily stress and enhancing life with greater peace and productivity.
So, let us explore nine of my pictures taken from different parts of the world.
Pictures of a beach
Notice the expansive power of looking at seascapes. Can you notice the colours? Maybe you can let your imagination hear the waves.
Pictures of flowers.
Flowers can be aesthetically pleasing but can also symbolise love or appreciation. These three pictures show different views of flowers. One picture is of a plant called rhododendron, the second is a bunch of flowers, and the third is a view of wild bluebells.
Pictures of rivers.
A river can symbolise movement. But you can also see your reflection in it.
Pictures of mountains.
Which pictures do you like best? Is the colours and composition, or do they remind you of a nice place? Which pictures give you the most positive emotions?
Conclusion
There are many ways to help yourself let go of stress and anxiety. Looking at art or photographs can help you to feel better. If you are feeling stressed and anxious, maybe you could try this.
Find a picture that you like and display it in your office or at home.
But if stress and anxiety are still a problem and taking over your life, many people can help you if you are still struggling.
Learn more about how I can help you reduce stress and anxiety through online hypnotherapy or counselling sessions. Book a free initial consultation through my website.
Photos copyright Linda Witchell.
All rights reserved.
