One study that supports the idea that green environments can reduce stress levels in humans is a research paper titled “View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery” by Roger S. Ulrich.

Green environments on stress reduction

In this study, Ulrich found that patients who had a view of nature from their hospital windows had shorter postoperative hospital stays, received fewer negative evaluative comments from nurses, and took fewer potent analgesics than patients who had a view of a brick wall. Although this study focused on recovery from surgery, it suggests that exposure to natural environments can have a calming effect and potentially reduce stress levels, which could be associated with lower cortisol levels in the blood.

Another study that directly addresses the relationship between green environments and cortisol levels is “The Physiological Effects of Shinrin-yoku (Taking in the Forest Atmosphere or Forest Bathing): Evidence from Field Experiments in 24 Forests across Japan” by Qing Li et al. This study found that participants who engaged in forest bathing (spending time in a forest) had significantly lower salivary cortisol levels, lower pulse rates, and lower blood pressure compared to when they were in city environments. This suggests that exposure to green, natural environments can directly reduce stress levels as indicated by physiological markers like cortisol.

These studies provide evidence that green environments can have a positive effect on human stress levels and overall well-being.

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