6 Ways Being in Nature Is Good for Your Health, According to an Environmental Neuroscientist

Many of us instinctively know that spending time in nature makes us feel better. As we step outside, the sense of tranquility and revitalization envelops us, yet the science behind this phenomenon unfolds in intriguing layers. In understanding how nature intertwines with our health, psychologist Marc Berman, PhD, has paved the way in a new field called environmental neuroscience, examining the intricate ways nature impacts our brain and body. Through his upcoming book, Nature and the Mind, scheduled for publication on August 12, 2025, he highlights six compelling ways that being in nature significantly contributes to our overall well-being.

1. Enhances Eyesight

Berman emphasizes that exposure to natural light is essential for eye health. Research suggests that spending just two hours outdoors daily can help prevent nearsightedness in children and young adults. A recent study even found that reading outside may sharpen visual acuity in adults. The implication is clear: embracing the great outdoors can keep our eyes healthier and improve our capacity to see the world clearly—both literally and figuratively.

2. Increases Attention Span

If you’ve ever felt your mind wandering during a long meeting or study session, you’re not alone. Berman’s pioneering research shows that spending time in nature can enhance our cognitive functions. His team discovered that participants experienced a remarkable 20% improvement in attention and memory after a mere 50-minute stroll in a park. Natural environments, with their trees, flowing water, and expansive skies, refresh our focus. Whether you’re at work, studying, or engaged in any intensive task, a break in nature can significantly rejuvenate your concentration and effectiveness.

3. Alleviates Anxiety and Depression

Nature’s ability to uplift our moods is well-documented. Berman highlights that interactions with natural settings can mitigate mental fatigue often associated with anxiety and depression. By stepping into a park or forest, individuals may find it easier to think critically and creatively, helping them cope with their mental health challenges. Importantly, while nature exposure offers supportive benefits, it should not replace professional mental health treatments but can serve as a valuable complement.

4. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

Berman is part of groundbreaking research suggesting a fascinating correlation between greenery and cardiometabolic health. Adding just a few trees to city streets has been linked to reduced rates of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in surrounding residents. While the specific reasons for this connection remain elusive, it highlights the potential for natural landscapes to foster healthier communities. Cleaner air and increased opportunities for physical activity as people are more inclined to walk in tree-lined neighborhoods may play significant roles.

5. Boosts Immune Function

The benefits of nature extend beyond the mind; they also touch the immune system. Berman cites a Finnish study indicating that children who engage with their natural environment experience marked improvements in their immune response after just a few weeks. Adults can reap similar benefits, likely due to exposure to the diverse microorganisms found in natural settings. Digging in the dirt, walking on grass, and being surrounded by plants may significantly enhance immunity, making it worthwhile to embrace the outdoors regularly.

6. Fosters Kindness and Social Connections

Finally, a surprising find in Berman’s research reveals that nature can foster more profound social interactions and increased kindness. People in green spaces often exhibit less aggression and greater cooperation. The sense of awe induced by experiencing mesmerizing natural beauty can foster a feeling of connectedness to something larger than oneself. This self-transcendence not only helps individuals think more about others than themselves but also strengthens community bonds, creating a more compassionate world.

In summary, these six benefits present compelling reasons to embrace the natural world around us. Whether it’s enhancing our eyesight, sharpening our attention, alleviating mental struggles, protecting our hearts, boosting our immunity, or nurturing our social bonds, nature serves as a potent ally in our pursuit of health. It’s a call to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and connect with the myriad of life that surrounds us—a simple act that offers profound rewards. As Berman notes, taking time to immerse ourselves in natural environments can enhance not only our own well-being but also the well-being of those around us. So, let’s reclaim those moments in nature, for our health, our hearts, and our communities.

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