4968. Mental wellness. Nature Photography. 75 - 300mm lens.

 

The male Common scarlet (Crocothemis servilia) is a red dragonfly. A red abdomen with a black dorsal line, red legs, thorax and eyes. However the FEMALE and IMMATURE male are LIGHT BROWN in colour. 

 

 Connecting with nature reduces stress, improves mood, and promotes a sense of tranquility.Nature photography definitely reduces stress, but you need to have the proper equipment such as the zoom lens 75 - 300mm, digital imaging software like Lightroom and Photoshop and a website to store your best images

 

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How does Nature impact mental health of adults?

Nature has a measurable and meaningful impact on adult mental health — emotionally, cognitively, and even physiologically. Across psychology and neuroscience research, regular exposure to natural environments is associated with lower stress, improved mood, and better overall wellbeing.

Here’s how it works:

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🌿 1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Spending time in natural settings lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), blood pressure, and heart rate.

Research from places like Stanford University has shown that walking in natural environments reduces rumination (repetitive negative thinking), which is strongly linked to anxiety and depression.

Even brief exposure — 20–30 minutes in a park — can calm the nervous system.

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🌳 2. Improves Mood and Decreases Depression

Green and blue spaces (parks, forests, beaches) are associated with:

• Lower rates of depression

• Increased positive emotions

• Greater life satisfaction

A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports found that spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature was linked to significantly higher wellbeing.

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🌊 3. Restores Attention and Mental Clarity

Modern life demands constant directed attention (screens, traffic, tasks). Nature engages what psychologists call “soft fascination” — gently holding attention without mental strain.

This idea comes from Attention Restoration Theory, developed by researchers at University of Michigan.

Benefits include:

• Better concentration

• Improved memory

• Reduced mental fatigue

• Increased creativity

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🌞 4. Regulates Sleep and Circadian Rhythm

Natural light exposure:

• Regulates melatonin

• Improves sleep quality

• Stabilizes mood

This is especially important for adults working indoors or in urban environments.

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🌼 5. Enhances Social and Emotional Connection

Nature:

• Encourages physical activity

• Increases social interaction (walking groups, parks)

• Promotes feelings of connection and belonging

Feelings of “awe” in natural settings (mountains, oceans, sunrise) are linked to:

• Lower inflammation

• Greater life meaning

• Reduced self-focused rumination

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🌏 6. Urban vs. Natural Environments

Urban living — especially in dense cities — is associated with higher stress and mood disorders. Access to green space acts as a protective factor.

Even:

• Indoor plants

• Nature sounds

• Window views of greenery

can produce measurable benefits.

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In Summary

Nature impacts adult mental health by:

• Calming the stress response

• Improving mood

• Enhancing focus

• Supporting sleep

• Increasing emotional resilience

It doesn’t require wilderness retreats. Small, regular contact — daily walks, gardening, sitting under trees — can make a meaningful difference.

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