This page gathers research papers, articles, and external resources related to the restorative effects of nature, reduced stimulation, and environmental reset.
Sources here inform Nomadic Balance content on slowing down, recalibration, and using natural environments to support wellbeing while travelling.
Sources
Spending At Least 120 Minutes a Week in Nature Is Associated With Good Health and Wellbeing
A large UK population study found that people who spent at least two hours per week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and higher wellbeing. The benefits were observed regardless of whether the time was spread across the week or accumulated in one or two longer visits.
🔗https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3
Outdoor Blue Spaces, Human Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review
This systematic review examined evidence on oceans, lakes, and rivers (“blue spaces”) and found consistent associations with improved mental wellbeing, lower stress, and better overall health outcomes.
🔗https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.08.004
Contact With Natural Environments and Positive and Negative Affect: A Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis found that exposure to natural environments reliably increases positive mood and reduces negative emotions compared to urban or indoor environments. Effects were consistent across different study designs and populations.
🔗https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.994224
Greenspace Exposure and Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
A large systematic review and meta-analysis linking exposure to greenspace with lower levels of stress, reduced risk of depression, and broader physical health benefits.
🔗https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030
Interacting With Nature Improves Cognition and Mood in Depression
An experimental study showing that even brief interaction with natural environments improved mood and cognitive performance compared to urban walks in individuals with depression.
🔗https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2012.03.012