Why Nature Is Good Medicine: The Science Behind Restorative Outdoor Environments

Nature can soothe, sharpen attention, and boost mood, according to psychologist Mark Berman of the University of Chicago. The Hidden Brain episode surveys historical perspectives and contemporary experiments showing that time in natural settings—whether a park stroll, a beach walk, or listening to nature sounds—restores directed attention, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive performance. The discussion covers attention restoration theory, biophilia, fractals and curved edges in natural environments, and practical applications such as indoor naturization and nature-based therapies. Real-world examples include veterans’ surf therapy and Pollock’s Long Island relocation, illustrating nature’s potential as a complementary tool to traditional treatments. A takeaway: nature can be a cost-free, side-by-side ally with medicine and therapy for mental well-being.

Conclusion and Societal Implications

Access to green space intersects with socioeconomic status, urban design, and health disparities. The episode calls for equitable access to nature as a public good, noting correlations between redlining, biodiversity, and air quality. It also points to the growing adoption of nature-based prescriptions in the UK and Canada as a signal of institutional recognition. In closing, the discussion invites listeners to consider nature as a scalable, evidence-backed complement to medical and psychotherapeutic approaches, while acknowledging that it does not replace clinical care. “Nature-based interventions can be a supplement to existing therapies,” the experts emphasize, inviting policy makers, clinicians, and individuals to adopt nature as a therapeutic ally.