How Nature Restores Our Minds: The Science Behind the Green Connection

In a world where more than half of humanity now lives in cities and people spend almost 90 percent of their time indoors, reconnecting with nature is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Recent research from the University of Chicago’s Environmental Neuroscience Lab, led by Professor Marc Berman, reveals how green spaces rejuvenate the mind and improve mental health.

Berman, in his new book Nature and the Mind, explains that the environment itself — from trees and parks to noise, light, and air quality — shapes how we think and feel. “Environmental neuroscience is about how surroundings influence cognition, emotion, and health,” he says.

A key idea driving this research is Attention Restoration Theory (ART). The theory suggests that our brains have two types of attention — directed attention, which we use for tasks and decision-making, and involuntary attention, which is drawn automatically to natural sights like flowing water or rustling leaves. When we immerse ourselves in nature, directed attention gets a break while involuntary attention gently engages — creating a soothing balance known as “soft fascination.”

This mental rest is why even short time outdoors helps restore focus and reduce stress. In Berman’s studies, participants who took 50-minute walks in nature improved their working memory by nearly 20 percent compared to those walking in urban areas. Even looking at nature photos or listening to birdsong for ten minutes showed noticeable improvements.

Interestingly, people don’t need to “love” nature to benefit. “Even in harsh winter conditions, when participants didn’t enjoy their walk, their cognitive performance still improved,” Berman says.

The research also highlights the promise of biophilic design — integrating natural elements, like curves, fractal patterns, and plant life, into architecture. These features mimic natural forms and make indoor spaces more mentally restorative.

For those who can’t access parks easily, even small steps — keeping plants, opening windows, or using nature-inspired visuals — can make a difference. As Berman notes, “Real nature is best, but every bit helps. The key is to keep your brain connected to the natural rhythms of life.”