7 Scientifically Backed Ways on How Nature Supports Us

By Taylor MacMahon

Have you ever wondered why it feels so good when we go outside? It’s almost magical, so how
does nature support us? How can it be a tool in our well-being tool belt, and why exactly does
nature feel so calming?

Figure 1. Image of Emmaline Alpine Lake. Taken at the top of a class hike, July 21, 2023 (Taylor
MacMahon).

1. Stress Reduction Theory

Nature is naturally very good at engaging our senses, and the sights, sounds, smells,
and feelings of nature engage our parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower
our cortisol levels and slow our breathing, heart rate and racing thoughts. Ulrich, 1981
introduces this Stress Reduction Theory and the connection between nature having
positive stress reduction effects. Furthermore the Lee et al., 2011 study where men
spent time n shows that nature is very effective in this. Nowadays we live in a world
where so many things cause us to feel and experience stress in our bodies that put us
into fight or flight mode, which engages our sympathetic nervous system. This is not
inherently a bad thing, as our sympathetic nervous system allows us to make quick
decisions when needed but it isn’t great for extended periods of time for stressors that do
not warrant or use up that reaction. So, it is really exciting and cool that nature is
naturally so good at helping us to engage our parasympathetic system, when so much in
our world engages our sympathetic.
Figure 2. Photo of Mountain campus taken from a field where NRRT 280A students had class
this past summer, July 20, 2023 (Taylor MacMahon).

2. Attention Restoration Theory

Our minds are naturally very good at seeing and processing the fractals, movement and
colors that appear naturally in nature. This is known as a state of soft fascination, where
our minds can rest. It has been shown that this type of engagement is very beneficial
and helps us cognitively to recharge and have better direct focus attention. This theory
was introduced by Kaplan and Kalpan, 1989.

Figure 3. Photo of sunlight through pine trees from the perspective of looking up. July 21, 2023
(Taylor MacMahon).

3. The Biophilia Hypothesis

The Biophilia Hypothesis states that our minds have evolved in a biocentric world and
that we are one with nature so returning or reconnecting to nature is like returning home
and that’s why we feel so good when we are outside. There have been studies done
around nature deficit disorder, and the impact it has on us as people. We are naturally
connected to and a part of nature. We are meant to care and be cared for by nature.
Figure 4. Group photo of NRRT 280A class outside at the Colorado State University Mountain
Campus, July 19, 2023 (Taylor MacMahon).

4. Awe, Wonder and Social Connection

Studies have shown that nature is also supportive in connections and in relationships.
And that when people are outside together or experiencing nature together that it helps
to strengthen connection. A piece of this is the science behind the positive impacts of
experiencing the awe and wonder of nature. When humans are in a state of awe and
wonder it tends to bring their focus outwards to the world and people around them, as
well as general feelings of optimism and positivity. And according to a study by Edi Putra
et al., 2020, people are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior and to think of other
people.

Figure 5. Photo of hands forming a heart shape with a tree above. Taken in the CSU Trial
Gardens after a forest bath, August 29, 2023 (Taylor MacMahon).
 5. Increase in Positive Mental Health Affect
There was also a meta-analysis done by McMahon and Estes, 2015 that shows people
reporting moderate increase in positive mental health affect and moderate decrease in
negative mental health affect when they spent time in nature. As Dr. Sarah Walker’s
slides share, the study done by Lee et al., 2011 also found that the participants who
practiced forest bathing reported both an “increase in positive mood state,” through
reports of increased comfortability and feeling more refreshed, as well as a “decrease in
negative mood state,” through reports of decreased feelings of anxiety, stress and
fatigue. It is important to note that because these experiments and studies weren’t done
by mental health professionals that we cannot say that nature immersion makes one’s
mental health better, but the studies do show positive mental health affect.

6. Physical Health Benefits

Trees produce phytoncides and other pheromones that have immune system boosting
properties. The Tsung-Ming et al., 2018 study shows that when people were immersed in
nature around trees, that trees’ phytoncides helped to increase K-cells in the body which
help to fight cancer, and help to produce anticancer proteins.

Figure 6. Photo of a sunset from the view of the Upper Cabins at CSU Mountain Campus, July
16, 2023 (Taylor MacMahon

7. Increase in Creativity and Innovation

A study by Atchley, Strayer & Atchley 2012 found a 50% increase in problem solving and
creativity through studying participants before and after a program called the Outward
Bound Program which is a 4-6 day backpacking trip. They had participants take a
problem solving and creativity based test before and after being in nature for 4 days.
This also shows how longer periods of time immersed in nature can benefit us.

The connection between nature immersion and our inert being is truly incredible and the
impacts it has on our well being: magical. And good news is that after just spending 15
minutes in nature we can already start to feel these positive effects, like reduced heart
rate, lessening of stress and increased connection with nature, ourselves and others. :)
 Reference

Walker, S. (2023). Module 3 NRRT 280 Slides [Slides with explanations and all of the different

sources and studies cited.]. Module 3 NRRT 280 Slides. Retrieved 2023, from

file:///C:/Users/14252/Downloads/NRRT280_Module%203%20Slides_updatedComp.pdf