Being around trees helps you feel calmer
Effect of nature exposure on perceived and physiologic stress: A systematic review.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Every single study measuring physiologic stress markers found a reduction with nature exposure.
It’s rare in science for 100% of studies to show the same direction of effect—especially across different methods (fMRI, cortisol, HRV). This consistency is unusual.
Practical Takeaways
Take a 5–10 minute break during your workday to look at nature videos, step outside, or sit near a window with a view of trees.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Every single study measuring physiologic stress markers found a reduction with nature exposure.
It’s rare in science for 100% of studies to show the same direction of effect—especially across different methods (fMRI, cortisol, HRV). This consistency is unusual.
Practical Takeaways
Take a 5–10 minute break during your workday to look at nature videos, step outside, or sit near a window with a view of trees.
Publication
Journal
Complementary therapies in medicine
Year
2020
Authors
Quincy Shuda, Michael E Bougoulias, Rebecca Kass
Related Content
Claims (4)
Being around trees can help lower your stress hormone levels, making you feel calmer.
Spending time in nature, like parks or forests, seems to help your body relax more, based on studies that looked at stress signals in your saliva, heart, and skin.
Spending more time in nature, like parks or forests, seems to help people feel less stressed, based on what most studies have found.
Spending time in nature—even just looking at pictures or videos of it—may help you feel calmer and lower your body’s stress signals, like heart rate and feeling tense.