How Nature ImpactsHealth and Wellbeing

The positive health impact of nature is significant

Improving a hospital’s visual environment can alter a patient’s experience and recovery.

Studies have shown that art – in particular, an appropriate landscape photograph – can play a positive role in a patient’s wellbeing. From shorter stays in hospital and increased pain tolerance, to reduced levels of anxiety, the positive impact of nature-focused art is significant.

The positive health impact of nature is significant

Exploring the link between nature and wellbeing, health research reveals:

Evolution has led to a genetic proneness in humans to respond positively to nature.

A great majority of adults across different cultures prefer realistic, representational nature scenes to other art.

Viewing nature scenes is highly effective in lowering stress and pain levels as well as impacting other related conditions.

Across all age groups (5-17 years) and genders, a great majority of children prefer art featuring nature over abstract or cartoon-like images.

The Nature Works for Health initiative is a wonderful way of trying to make our time in hospitals less horrible and, indeed, healthier, by giving us views of the outside world of nature – of trees, of water, of the sky. ”

How Nature ImpactsHealth and Wellbeing

Improving a hospital’s visual environment can alter a patient’s experience and recovery.

Exploring the link between nature and wellbeing, health research reveals:

The Nature Works for Health initiative is a wonderful way of trying to make our time in hospitals less horrible and, indeed, healthier, by giving us views of the outside world of nature – of trees, of water, of the sky. ”

Henry Marsh CBE FRCS, leading Neurosurgeon and Author