05/09/2025
Nature—and water—heal us in more ways than you might expect. A landmark study by Berman, Jonides & Kaplan (2008), “The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature” (Psychological Science), found that even just viewing images of natural environments can restore attention, reduce stress, and uplift mood.
But there’s more: research from UC Davis by Richard Coss & Craig Keller demonstrated that gazing at a calm body of water—like a pool or creek—for under two minutes leads to measurable reductions in heart rate and blood pressure, along with increased feelings of relaxation.
Then there’s the soothing science behind the Blue Mind Theory—popularised by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. This concept explains why being near, on, or even just looking at water can shift us into a tranquil, meditative state by calming the brain, promoting involuntary attention and boosting feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—while dampening stress hormones like cortisol.
So, when real outdoor time isn’t possible, try this: surround yourself with leafy visuals, water images or even nature soundscapes. Let the “green” calm your mind and the “blue” reset your body and mood.
