The Effect of Nature Exposure on Brain Function

In our increasingly urbanized world, nature plays a profound role in our mental well-being. Research shows that the restorative power of nature has a significant impact on brain function, providing benefits to adolescents and adults alike.

Cognitive Benefits

1) Attention and Working Memory

Spending time in natural environments can replenish our capacity for attention. This improvement in attention is not just the opinion of many; it has been observed through both behavioral tests and neuroimaging studies. For instance, individuals who took a walk in a natural setting showed better performance in memory-dependent tasks compared to those who walked in urban environments.

2) Executive Function

Exposure to nature leads to improvements in executive functions such as inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. These enhancements have been observed even after brief interactions with natural environments, suggesting that nature can provide a quick cognitive boost.

Neurophysiological Changes

1) Brain Activity

EEG studies have revealed that interaction with nature is linked with changes in brain wave patterns that suggest improved attention and reduced stress. For example, decreased functional connectivity in the brain's distress network has been observed when individuals view natural scenes compared to urban ones.

2) Brain Structure

Did you know long-term exposure to green spaces may actually influence brain development?! A study of urban children found that lifelong exposure to residential greenspace was positively associated with increased brain volume in areas linked to cognitive functions like attention and memory.

Emotional and Stress-Related Effects

1) Mood Enhancement

Interacting with nature has been shown to cause an increase in positive emotions and feelings. This mood boost plays an important role in improved cognitive performance since positive emotions are known to help such processes.

2) Stress Reduction

Nature exposure activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. This stress reduction allows for better cognitive functioning, as chronic stress can impair attention and memory.

Methods to Increase Nature Exposure

1. Urban Planning: Including more green spaces in urban environments could support cognitive health at a population level.

2. Education: Outdoor learning environments may enhance students' cognitive abilities and academic performance.

3. Mental Health: Nature-based interventions could help  existing treatments for cognitive and mood disorders.

4. Workplace Design: Integrating natural elements into office spaces might boost employee cognitive function and productivity.

Duration and Type of Exposure

Research indicates that even brief exposures to nature can yield benefits:

1) Short-Term Exposure

Studies have shown that as little as 10 minutes of nature exposure can produce short-term benefits for adults, including those with mental illness. This suggests that even brief interactions with nature during a busy day can be beneficial.

2) Virtual Nature

While direct exposure to nature appears to be most effective, virtual nature experiences (such as viewing images or videos of natural scenes) can also provide some cognitive benefits. This is particularly relevant in situations where access to real nature is limited.

Nature Exposure For Children

Research conducted on school-aged children and adolescents found evidence that supported the cognitive benefits of nature exposure, particularly in selective attention, sustained attention, and working memory. These findings suggest that exposing students to nature could have significant positive impacts on learning and development.

Research on young children has also shown that playing in nature has consistent positive impacts on physical activity and brain function. 

References

Berman, Marc G et al. “Interacting with nature improves cognition and affect for individuals with depression.” Journal of affective disorders vol. 140,3 (2012): 300-5. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2012.03.012

Vella-Brodrick, Dianne A., and Krystyna Gilowska. "Effects of Nature (Greenspace) on Cognitive Functioning in School Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review." Educational Psychology Review, vol. 34, no. 2, 2022, pp. 1025-1049.

Rhee, Jee Heon et al. “Effects of nature on restorative and cognitive benefits in indoor environment.” Scientific reports vol. 13,1 13199. 14 Aug. 2023, doi:10.1038/s41598-023-40408-x

Hautekiet, Pauline et al. “Higher buccal mtDNA content is associated with residential surrounding green in a panel study of primary school children.” Environmental research vol. 213 (2022): 113551. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.113551

Dadvand, Payam, et al. "The Association between Lifelong Greenspace Exposure and 3-Dimensional Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Barcelona Schoolchildren." Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 126, no. 2, 2018, p. 027012.

Kaplan, Stephen. "The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework." Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 15, no. 3, 1995, pp. 169-182.

McMahan, Ethan A., and David Estes. "The Effect of Contact with Natural Environments on Positive and Negative Affect: A Meta-Analysis." The Journal of Positive Psychology, vol. 10, no. 6, 2015, pp. 507-519.

Mygind, Lærke, et al. "Mental, Physical and Social Health Benefits of Immersive Nature-Experience for Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of the Evidence." Health & Place, vol. 58, 2019, p. 102136.

Ohly, Heather, et al. "Attention Restoration Theory: A Systematic Review of the Attention Restoration Potential of Exposure to Natural Environments." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, vol. 19, no. 7, 2016, pp. 305-343.

Ulrich, Roger S., et al. "Stress Recovery During Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments." Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 11, no. 3, 1991, pp. 201-230.

Joanna E. Bettmann et al, Nature Exposure, Even as Little as 10 Minutes, is Likely to Yield Short-Term Benefits for Adults with Mental Illness: A Meta Analysis, Ecopsychology (2024). DOI: 10.1089/eco.2023.0063

Léger, Michel T, and Said Mekari. “Simulating the Benefits of Nature Exposure on Cognitive Performance in Virtual Reality: A Window into Possibilities for Education and Cognitive Health.” Brain sciences vol. 12,6 725. 31 May. 2022, doi:10.3390/brainsci12060725

Written By: Haizel