Khaberni - People have long believed that spending time in the embrace of nature brings calmness and psychological relaxation, but recent studies have started to put this idea on scientific foundations.
A comprehensive review titled: "Your Brain in Nature: A Neuroscience Review of Exposure to the Natural Environment" was published in the Journal of Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, aiming to uncover what actually happens inside the brain while being in nature, away from the subjective feeling of relaxation.
Nature restores the balance of neural networks
Dr. Jay Jaganathan, a neurosurgeon at the Michigan Institute and a pain management specialist, confirmed that studies have indicated that being in natural environments is associated with decreased activity of brain networks related to stress, including areas responsible for rumination, threat monitoring, and persistent self-reflection.
He added that the results of these studies are measurable using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and near-infrared spectroscopy, pointing out that nature helps the brain transition towards patterns associated with attention restoration and exiting a state of chronic fatigue.
Tangible effects on brain structure
Some studies have revealed that regular access to green spaces is associated with changes in the volume of gray and white matter in the brain, although researchers have cautioned that these findings are correlational and not direct evidence of causality.
Dr. Jaganathan explained that this is biologically plausible, as the brain continuously evaluates the environment in search of threat and safety.
He added: "Natural environments reduce unnecessary activation of stress networks, allowing the brain to function more efficiently, especially in a world filled with stimuli and constant exhaustion."
He concluded by saying: "Nature is not a cure and not a substitute for medical care, but it may provide a supportive environment for the brain, helping to alleviate the pressures of constant monitoring and mental exhaustion, a distinction of utmost importance in the age of chronic stimulation."
