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Nature: A Booster of Well-Being

Updated: Aug 10

by Adriana Rocha


Why does the human being search for green? Why do we have the need to go outside?

Studies show that being exposed to nature is linked to multiple benefits, which include improving attention, lowering stress, increasing mood, reducing the risk of psychiatric disorders, and improving empathy in cooperation.


The urban areas that have greenery play a key role in our mood and cognitive development. Green spaces near schools promote cognitive development in children and green views near children's homes promote self-control behaviors. Adults also show more attention when their neighborhoods have more green space compared to those adults who have less access to a natural environment. The routine of a person includes moving from one place to another, dealing with many incidents that can boost stress, being connected or dependent on the internet, and the chaotic factors of urban life may be too much for the brain, which screams for a break.


Relief happens when the brain perceives green areas. Researchers have proposed several hypotheses to explain these happenings.

  • The biophilia hypothesis says that our ancestors evolved in wild settings and rely on the environment for survival.

  • The stress reduction hypothesis says that spending time in nature triggers a psychological response that lowers stress levels.

  • The attention restoration theory explains that nature restores the ability to concentrate and pay attention.


People who are exposed to nature in person or through videos have improvements in their attention, positive emotions, and the ability to solve life problems. Meeting nature in person is a remarkable experience. Still, there is research exploring the virtual reality nature experiences and their benefits for people who are unable to go outdoors or adults with mobility problems.


Studies also understand the generous behaviors that are the consequence of being outside. Nature can be a way to induce awe, a mix of wonder and fear, when an individual is part of a much bigger whole.There isn't a specific amount of hours we should be outside; multiple factors are always relevant, and there is no right or wrong answer about that topic.


Another important element to understand is that nature connectedness could be related to happiness. Some individuals don't feel the need to be so social; they choose to live close to green areas, and as a consequence, they achieve well-being. It's important to increase the number of green areas in urban cities.


It's necessary to participate in activities that are green and promote green life, such as planting trees, gardening, nature photography exhibitions, and events that connect us to green life. It's also essential to take responsibility and commitment to care for earth and feed this relationship where we learn to heal and learn to protect a green that makes us better beings in many aspects.


References

Weir, K. (2025, Abril). Nurtured by nature. Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition, 50


About the Author:


Adriana Rocha is a Bolivian-born psychologist, writer, and photographer whose work has been published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She believes in the healing power of art, blending poetry, photography, and psychology to explore themes of nature, reflection, and human connection. Adriana is a member of the Confluence Creative Collective and a contributing writer for the Confluence Chronicles.


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Words from the Editor:


Confluence Community is excited to welcome Adriana Rocha to the Confluence Creative Collective. Adriana first connected with us through our Earth Day Art Exhibition, and followed up to share more of her poetry and photography after the exhibition.


As our August 2025 Artist of the Month, Adriana now joins the Confluence Chronicles as a contributing writer, launching her own column dedicated to exploring the intersections of nature, art, and mental health.


The Confluence Chronicles is a platform for creators to share their voice, be part of a community of writers, and find encouragement from peers who truly understand the life of a writer, the emerging or experienced. We take care of the tech, design, and publishing side so our writers can focus on what they love most: writing.


Adriana brings to this space a unique blend of psychology, artistry, and courage, the courage to submit her work to diverse publications and galleries, and to continually share her voice with authenticity and openness. Her passion for green spaces and her genuine, grounded demeanor make her a natural fit for our community. We are excited for the continued conversations, reflections, and moments of consideration her column will inspire.


Thank you for joining us Adriana, we look forward to building and fostering a meaningful relationship through our shared creativity and passion for nature.


Editor in Chief | Phil Sanders


Virtual Gallery, Bio, and a Mini-Zine Coming Soon!






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