Book 2, Question 48
Why Do We Feel Calm in Nature?
Nature is calming because it gives your brain an easier job. Trees, water, and sky are gentle to look at and listen to. So your brain can turn its alarm down, and you feel more relaxed.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 2
More fun facts
- Being in nature, or even looking at pictures of nature, can lower anger, fear, and stress.
- Nature can lower blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and stress hormones.
- Plants and nature scenes in hospital rooms have helped patients too.
- Close to 1,000 studies now show that nature is good for our health.
- A writer named Richard Louv made up the phrase nature deficit disorder in his 2005 book.
- Even small moments outside can help you feel calmer.
Sources: UMN, YALE, Cleveland Clinic
Questions kids ask
Do I need a big forest to feel calmer?
No. Even small moments outdoors, or looking at nature scenes, can help.