Although living close to nature has many health benefits, recent research has shown that regular exposure to nature during a global pandemic can also help reduce the negative effects on mental health.

An online survey was conducted in Japan for research published in the journal Ecological Applications.

The survey reveals a link between five mental health outcomes (depression, a satisfying life, happiness, self-confidence and loneliness) and two important natural experimental measures (green space use frequency and a green view from a window or home). It can reduce the negative effects on the mental health of people who live close to nature on a regular basis.

The research found that overuse of the greenery view from the window of the house was associated with increased self-confidence, satisfying life, and happiness.

“Our findings show that staying close to nature acts as a barrier and helps eliminate the effects of highly stressful events from the human mind,” said Masashi Soga, head of research and Ph.D. professor at the University of Tokyo.

According to Professor Masashi Suga, protecting the natural environment in urban areas is important not only for biodiversity but also for human health.