Viewing natural landscapes improves mood and reduces stress—even if it's through smartphones

An international scientific study has shown that watching videos featuring natural landscapes, such as forests and streams, can help reduce stress and improve mood, even when viewed on smartphone or computer screens, offering an accessible option for people who cannot reach green spaces. The website Medical Xpress reported that the study, led by researcher Agnes E. van den Berg and involving researchers from universities and research institutions in Europe and the United States, including North Carolina State University, was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. It found that watching videos of natural landscapes aids stress recovery more effectively than viewing urban scenes.

The study involved approximately 1,000 volunteers, who first watched a video designed to induce psychological stress. They were then randomly assigned to view either nature or urban footage for ten minutes. Researchers measured changes in their psychological and physiological states, including feelings of fear, anger, and sadness, as well as physiological indicators such as heart activity and sweating.

The results showed that participants who watched nature videos experienced greater improvements in their psychological well-being, with increased positive emotions and reduced anger levels, compared to those who viewed urban footage. Additionally, physical indicators associated with stress gradually improved across all participants.