Nature for Mental Wellbeing: Connecting with Our Planet
Posted Monday, Sep 15, 2025 by Dr Cloe Crowhurst (Osteopath). Filed under General
Key Takeaways
• Nature is a powerful mental health tool - Research shows natural environments improve cognition, reduce stress, and enhance mood while lowering psychiatric disorder risk.
• Your brain needs nature to recover - Natural settings allow overstimulated minds to restore attention, boosting creativity and problem-solving abilities.
• Forest bathing delivers measurable results - This Japanese practice of mindful nature immersion significantly reduces depression and anxiety symptoms.
• Nature supports physical healing too - Hospital patients with tree views recovered faster and needed less pain medication than those overlooking buildings.
• Melbourne's natural therapy is on your doorstep - From Yarra Bend Park (20 minutes) to the Dandenong Ranges (50 minutes), healing environments are easily accessible.
In our modern, fast-paced world, burnout, mental exhaustion, and the strains of daily life have become all too common. Amid screens, deadlines, and constant connectivity, many of us yearn for a sense of peace and balance. Thankfully, there is a remedy closer than we might think… nature. It’s time to step outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the world around us.
The Science Behind Nature's Healing Power
Research has shown that immersing ourselves in nature has profound benefits for both our mental and physical health. Kirsten Weir’s article, Nurtured by Nature, published by the American Psychological Association (APA), highlights that spending time in natural environments can sharpen our cognition and attention, lower stress, improve mood, reduce our risk of psychiatric disorders and even make us more empathetic, socially adept and cooperative.
Benefits for Attention and Cognition
David Strayer, a cognitive psychologist, explains that nature has a unique ability to restore our attention. Modern life bombards us with endless stimuli, leading to mental fatigue and a decrease in cognitive function. Time in nature, he notes, allows our brains to recover, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills. This phenomenon is known as Attention Restoration Theory (ART).
A 2019 study conducted by Van Hedger, S.C., et. al. backed this Attention Restoration Theory, by isolating just one of the five senses. The research showed that listening to nature sounds (e.g. crickets chirping or crashing waves) resulted in better performance on cognitive tests when compared to listening to urban sounds (e.g. traffic or a bustling cafe). Imagine what would happen if we fully emersed all 5 of our senses in nature.
Benefits for Stress and Mood
Kirsten Weir’s article, Nurtured by Nature, discusses the biophilia and stress reduction hypotheses. They argue that we have an innate (deeply ingrained) drive to connect with nature because we evolved from humans who relied upon nature for survival. Spending time within these environments is thought to trigger physiological responses within our bodies that reduce the effects of stress.
Erica Quigley, an ecotherapist, backs these theories. She often advises her clients to “forest bathe”, a practice originating in Japan known as shinrin-yoku. This involves mindfully immersing yourself in a forest setting, engaging all five senses to fully absorb the environment. Research by Siah, C.J. et al, 2023 has shown that forest bathing can significantly reduce symptoms of Depression and Anxiety.
Cardiologist Michael Miller also advocates for spending time outdoors, citing research that links exposure to green spaces with better cardiovascular health. He notes that regular walks in nature can decrease the risk of heart disease and improve overall fitness levels, all while providing a calming effect on the mind.
Marine biologist Tierney Thys has explored how simply observing natural beauty can trigger a sense of awe, which has been linked to improved mood and a greater sense of well-being. Awe is more than just a moment of wonder, it’s a powerful emotional experience that shifts our focus outward and fosters feelings of connection and gratitude.
Maybe even physical healing and pain reduction...
Believe it or not, in the 1980s research by Psychologist Dr Roger Ulrich established that patients whose hospital beds looked out over trees had faster healing rates and reduced requests for pain medication that those whose beds looked out over built structures.
Immersing Yourself
We're incredibly lucky here in Melbourne, to be surrounded by expansive natural beauty. From rugged bushland and coastal walks to towering forests and waterfalls, we are absolutely spoilt for choice.
- Mornington Peninsula National Park (Approx. 1 hour 30 min drive from Brunswick): Stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife, perfect for beach walks and nature observation.
- Kinglake National Park (Approx. 1 hour 15 min drive from Brunswick): Features waterfalls, walking tracks, and rich flora and fauna for a serene nature experience.
- You Yangs Regional Park (Approx. 1 hour drive from Brunswick): Known for its granite peaks and mountain biking trails, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
- Point Nepean National Park (Approx. 1 hour 40 min drive from Brunswick): Features historical military sites and scenic coastal views, great for walking and exploring.
- Organ Pipes National Park (Approx. 30 min drive from Brunswick): Known for its unique geological formations, including basalt columns formed by ancient lava flows.
- Werribee Gorge State Park (Approx. 1 hour drive from Brunswick): A hidden gem with dramatic landscapes, steep gorges, and challenging hiking trails.
- Yarra Bend Park (Approx. 20 min drive from Brunswick): A tranquil retreat close to the city, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to spot flying foxes.
- Dandenong Ranges National Park (Approx. 50 min drive from Brunswick): Lush rainforests, fern gullies, and charming villages make this a perfect day-trip destination.
- Brimbank Park (Approx. 25 min drive from Brunswick): Located along the Maribyrnong River, this park offers expansive grassy areas, walking tracks, and scenic views, ideal for family outings.
References
Weir, K. (2020) Nurtured by nature, Monitor on Psychology. Available at: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature (Accessed: 20 February 2025).
Restore your brain with nature | David Strayer | TEDxManhattanBeach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vRMRBxvtZA
Van Hedger, S.C. et al. (2018) ‘Of cricket chirps and car horns: The effect of nature sounds on cognitive performance’, Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 26(2), pp. 522–530. doi:10.3758/s13423-018-1539-1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30367351/
Nature Therapy | Erica Quigley | TEDxBountiful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbcyeCIftjM
Siah, C.J. et al. (2023) ‘The effects of forest bathing on psychological well‐being: A systematic review and meta‐analysis’, International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 32(4), pp. 1038–1054. doi:10.1111/inm.13131. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36864583/
Nature As A Healer | Michael Miller: https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_miller_nature_as_a_healer
How nature engages your brain | Tierney Thys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1QXv4sWUtw
Our osteopath, Dr. Cloe is deeply passionate about the intersection of movement, nature, and mental wellbeing, drawing from both evidence-based research and her commitment to holistic healthcare approaches that recognise the profound connection between our physical environment and psychological health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nature for Mental Wellbeing
Q: How much time in nature do I need to see mental health benefits?
A: Research suggests that even brief exposure to nature can be beneficial. Studies show improvements from listening to nature sounds for short periods, while forest bathing sessions typically last 2-3 hours. The key is regular, mindful engagement rather than duration alone.
Q: What if I live in the city and can't easily access forests or parks?
A: Even small doses of nature can help - try listening to nature sounds, keeping indoor plants, visiting local gardens, or taking walks in tree-lined streets. Research shows that even viewing nature through windows can provide some benefits.
Q: What is forest bathing and how do I practice it?
A: Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) is a Japanese practice involving mindfully immersing yourself in a forest environment using all five senses. Simply walk slowly, breathe deeply, touch tree bark, listen to bird songs, and observe your surroundings without distractions like phones or cameras.
Q: Can nature therapy help with specific mental health conditions like anxiety or depression?
A: Research indicates that nature exposure may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, while nature can be a valuable complement to treatment, it shouldn't replace professional mental health care. Always consult with healthcare providers for persistent mental health concerns.