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In the bustling landscape of urban living, where stress and anxiety often loom large, the notion of finding solace in nature's embrace has gained traction.

However, a new study, spearheaded by Whitney Fleming, a lecturer in the School of Environmental & Natural Sciences in Bangor University, delving into the psychological impact of natural versus man-made environments, uncovered a fascinating revelation: the act of simply directing one's gaze toward greenery, even amidst the concrete jungle, holds the potential to significantly enhance mood and alleviate anxiety.

Published in the journal People and Nature, the study employed cutting-edge eye-tracking technology to dissect the effects of focusing on natural elements vis-à-vis man-made structures on mental health and wellbeing.

Fleming, who has a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Governance, and her team of researchers including Brian Rizowy and Assaf Shwartz, conducted the study by enlisting 117 adults as participants, randomly assigning them into three distinct groups: the "green group," tasked with focusing on natural elements like trees; the "grey group," directed toward man-made features such as buildings; and the "mixed group," exposed to a blend of both natural and man-made stimuli.

Equipped with specialized eye-tracking glasses, each participant embarked on a 45-minute guided excursion through urban and campus settings, punctuated by designated stops accentuating either natural or man-made elements, tailored to their respective group.

Pre- and post-walk assessments, utilizing standardized measures like the positive and negative affect schedule (Panas) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (Stai), showed profound shifts in participants' emotional landscapes.

"The results were striking. Participants who focused more on green elements reported significant improvements in mood and reductions in anxiety compared to those who focused on grey elements. And they showed higher levels of positive emotions and lower levels of anxiety after the walk. They also reported feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated," Fleming wrote in The Conversation.

"In contrast, the grey group did not show these improvements, and the mixed group had intermediate results, suggesting that even a partial focus on nature can be beneficial."

The meticulous analysis of eye-tracking data provided objective insights into participants' visual engagement, further underscoring the pivotal role of nature exposure in bolstering mental wellbeing, irrespective of urban constraints.

Fleming noted that the findings hold significant implications for urban planning and mental health practices. She recommends integrating natural elements into urban spaces and encouraging visual engagement with nature to alleviate the mental health challenges associated with city living.

"For instance, planners could prioritise green spaces, tree-lined streets, parks and ponds that invite people to pause and take in the natural beauty," Fleming suggested.

Mental health professionals may find the findings invaluable for enhancing therapeutic approaches. Incorporating guided attention exercises, urging patients to concentrate on natural scenery during outdoor activities or walks, represents a straightforward, cost-efficient strategy to complement conventional treatments for anxiety and depression.

"Our research underscores the potential for simple, everyday actions to have a profound impact on mental health. As urban areas continue to grow, integrating natural elements into cityscapes and encouraging people to engage visually with these elements could play a crucial role in enhancing public wellbeing," Fleming explained.