Blog Layout
The Overview Effect is considered to be the epitome of a natural experience, but what are the benefits of natural experiences?
Charles Perring • 30 June 2023
Why are natural experiences good for your mental health?
The Overview Effect has been described by many as the epitome of a natural experience, but what are the benefits of natural experiences and natural environments? Natural environments have been shown to have significant positive effects on mental health. Here are some ways in which natural environments can contribute to mental well-being:
- Stress reduction: Spending time in natural surroundings, such as forests, parks, or beaches, can help reduce stress levels. The calmness and tranquility of nature provide a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and promote relaxation.
- Improved mood: Being in nature has been linked to improvements in mood and a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exposure to natural settings can increase feelings of happiness, contentment, and overall well-being.
- Increased physical activity: Natural environments often offer opportunities for physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or swimming. Regular exercise has numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Restorative effects: Natural environments provide a sense of restoration and rejuvenation. The attention-restoration theory suggests that being in nature allows our minds to recover from mental fatigue and restore attention capacity, leading to improved cognitive function.
- Connection and social support: Natural environments can be a gathering place for communities and provide opportunities for social interactions. Engaging in nature-related activities with others can foster a sense of connection, social support, and a feeling of belonging.
- Exposure to sunlight: Spending time outdoors exposes individuals to natural sunlight, which can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood. Sunlight is also a natural source of vitamin D, which plays a role in mental health and is associated with a reduced risk of depression.
- Increased mindfulness: Natural environments can facilitate mindfulness and present-moment awareness. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature can help individuals focus their attention and cultivate a sense of mindfulness, which has been linked to reduced stress and improved mental well-being.
- Cognitive benefits: Interacting with natural environments can enhance cognitive function, including attention, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Exposure to natural settings has been associated with improved academic performance and cognitive development in children.
It's important to note that while natural environments can have positive effects on mental health, they are not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing mental health issues, it's always recommended to seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog spot:
EarthScape VR has been awarded the Creative Catalyst Grant by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Our team is immensely grateful to Innovate UK for believing in our mission of delivering comprehensive digital solutions that prioritise preventative and early intervention care in mental health. The funding and support from Innovate UK will significantly enhance our efforts moving forward. This investment will enable us to advance the development of a new virtual reality programme and test a new 12-week VR-assisted digital solution designed to address stress and symptoms of anxiety. We have a six-month timeline to complete the VR programme and to start the recruitment and data collection phases. To support this research, we have partnered with charities such as the Eden Project and well-being centres like Atrium. Additionally, we have assembled a consortium of advisors to provide guidance on key factors related to the research project, ensuring we uphold robust ethical standards. Results will be shared on our social media platforms and website next year. We could not have achieved this without the ongoing and unwavering support of Innovate UK and our incredible team. Our mission is to unite creativity and science to develop impactful, innovative, and evidence-based digital solutions for those facing mental health challenges. By integrating digital therapy with nature therapy—two previously distinct approaches—we believe we can foster hope and innovation within the mental health landscape. We aspire to join the ranks of other remarkable leaders in the United Kingdom's talent pool in this area. Our small but dynamic team includes David Schemtob, an expert in planning intergalactic missions who also excels in finance and marketing—though his contributions extend far beyond those roles. We are also joined by co-founder Charlie Perring, who has extensive experience in digital marketing and start-ups and Dr Annahita Nezami a psychologist who founded EarthScape VR based on her research into the therapeutic value of Earth gazing and the Overview Effect. We are a beautifully diverse team, both culturally and personally. What truly empowers us is the respect, ethics, honesty, and humility that each member brings to the table. Dr Annahita Nezami, Charlie Perring, David Schemtob Tag @innovateuk and @UKRI_News
The Shadows That Lurk Within
Psychedelics can induce altered states of consciousness that can lead to increased self-awareness and emotional catharsis, so what is their potential for use in mental health?
How Leaders can Gain a Planetary Awareness for a Planetary Economy