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Indoor Nature Exposure and Influence on Physiological Stress Markers

The study found that incorporating plants and other natural elements indoors can help lower stress and support better heart health. These findings support the idea that bringing a bit of nature inside can make people healthier and happier.
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Summary

This research paper explores how being around plants and nature can positively impact people’s health, especially when they are in indoor environments like offices or hospitals. The study examines ways that having plants, images of nature, or scents from natural oils indoors can help improve mood, reduce stress, and support heart health by measuring changes in heart rate and other indicators.

The researchers also look at how exposure to nature indoors affects daily life and overall well-being, suggesting that even simple changes—like adding greenery or natural imagery—can make a meaningful difference. The paper argues that our internal spaces benefit from the presence of nature, leading not just to aesthetic improvements, but also to real mental and physical health benefits.

Link

McSweeney, J., Johnson, S., Sherry, S. et al. (2021). Indoor nature exposure and influence on physiological stress markers. Int. J. Environ. Health Res., 31, 636-650

 

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