The psychological and emotional benefits of a tranquil nature scene are familiar to most people, but new research has found that it may actually have a positive physiological impact on the wiring of our brains. Conversely, man-made environments that include buildings, traffic, and urban surroundings have the opposite effect, disrupting these neural pathways.

The current findings are the result of a multi-disciplinary study involving experts in the fields of psychiatry, neurology, and even engineering. Hoping to gain greater insight into the relaxing aspects of tranquil nature settings, researchers recruited volunteers and presented them with a variety of images while measuring the responses of their brains by way of specialized brain scanning techniques.

The testing incorporated the fact that the constant sound of traffic was similar to that of waves crashing on the beach. When this sound was in the background and test subjects were presented with either natural images of outdoor settings or coarser images of urban scenes, different sorts of brain activity took place depending on the images.

In fact, when a person viewed tranquil images of forests or beaches, certain connections in the brain became apparent, indicating that different areas were working in conjunction with one another. However, when less-serene images of traffic scenes were displayed, these connections in the brain were actually disrupted.

The data supports the healing qualities that many people are familiar with when they get away from an urban environment and out into nature, which seems to encourage peace, serenity, and reflection. On the other hand, for many of us, the inherent stress associated with our living environment can affect not only our emotional well-being, but the actual functioning of our brains, as well.

The findings also have potential policy implications in terms of designing peaceful areas within public spaces, especially in cities and within work environments as well as hospitals and schools.

After all, the value of being in the great outdoors is familiar to most of us. Not only do you get the benefit of fresh air and clean water, but the imagery of trees, grass, mountains, and streams can be appreciated by virtually everyone.

This is particularly relevant given the stressful nature of modern life, an unfortunate fact that increasingly applies to children, especially within an urban setting. Busy schedules compounded by crowds and excessive noise can take a psychological and physiological toll.

In light of this, there is a greater awareness for people to spend more time outdoors, preferably in a natural setting. Even a simple walk in the woods can have tangible benefits.

So whenever possible, take time out of your busy schedule to slow things down and immerse yourself with what Mother Nature probably intended for you to be surrounded by in the first place.