Benefits of Art: How Nature Photography Can Improve Mental Health

June 17, 2021 Jessica Johnson 1

Nature (photography) heals. For decades, everyone from scientists to philosophers have credited the green goddess for her healing powers. Which makes it unsurprising that being in nature, near it, or simply observing it can shift your brain into a more relaxed state. In honor of Nature Photography Day on June 15, we’re sharing the scientific benefits of surrounding yourself with nature, and how art can help you reap those rewards.

“Nature has the power to heal because it is where we are from, it is where we belong and it belongs to us as an essential part of our health and our survival.”
Nooshin Razani, MD

Benefits of Nature

There are several hypotheses around why connecting with nature improves things like productivity, memory, and relaxation — from innate evolutionary properties to triggered physiological responses. But the common thread is the overall boost of our cognitive functions and a corresponding general sense of well-being.

In other words, Mother Earth is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air to a burnt-out brain. By reducing cortisol (the pesky stress hormone that can cause unnecessary strife) and strengthening attention and focus, nature has the power to decrease depression and heighten concentration — forces that directly correlate with contentment. Signaling a feeling of being “alive” from the inside out, a strong connection to nature leads to improvements spanning across your physical, mental and spiritual wavelengths.

Improve Your Mental Health With Nature Photography

Lucky for us, nature art is said to promote the same benefits while helping brighten up your space. In fact, even looking at a scenic image for 40 seconds can help you snap out of a funk. “…The sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature,” says Lisa Nisbet, PhD.

Whether you’re stuck inside at work, spend most of your time in the city, or just want to bring the outdoors in, surrounding yourself with your favorite earthly elements and phenomena can keep you grounded.

While there’s no shortage of nature in art, photography offers a special kind of magic that showcases the wonder of the world around us. Whether it’s a grandeur view of the mountains extending into the cosmos, or a field of flowers backlit by golden hour hues, nature photography captures a realness that helps you feel immersed in the beauty of Earth.

Keep scrolling for nature photography that can transport your brain and your space to a better place.