A major global concern, nearly a billion people were living with a mental disorder in 2019, according to data from the World Health Organization. And this figure inevitably falls short of the current situation, considering that “depression and anxiety went up by more than 25% in the first year of the pandemic alone.
As numerous studies have shown, nature can be a source of well-being and relaxation. The scientific community seems unanimous on the subject, with nature holding many benefits for boosting the mental and physical health of populations worldwide.
While it may seem preferable to opt for a life surrounded by nature, numerous studies have shown that simple green spaces in cities can contribute to improving the wellbeing of their residents. Last November, for instance, research suggested that nature could help boost productivity; while more recent studies have found that living near green spaces could benefit children’s health, and taking a walk in nature could improve attention and concentration.
Researchers at the University of Exeter even suggest that watching nature videos alone could be enough to improve mental health.
This was also the starting point for a new study carried out by Bangor University and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Here, the scientists conducted research based on eye-tracking – techniques designed to record a person’s eye movements – on a sample of 117 city dwellers.
They were guided on a 45-minute urban walk, during which they were invited to focus their gaze on natural elements such as trees, plants, lawns and flowers. Special eye-tracking glasses measured their eye movements.
Published in People and Nature, this research suggests that being surrounded by greenery is not necessarily essential to improving mental health. Simply looking at natural features, even in the middle of an urban landscape, can be enough to not only help reduce anxiety but also make people feel more rejuvenated.
“The individuals who were guided to direct their gaze more frequently at green elements reported a significant reduction in anxiety, with trees showing the most substantial positive effect,” said Whitney Fleming, a lecturer in Human Geography at Bangor University.
The researchers thus reiterate the importance of taking these findings into account to optimise urban planning. “These insights offer valuable guidance for urban planners and architects, suggesting that integrating more natural features into city landscapes can play a crucial role in enhancing the mental wellbeing of residents,” they concluded.