Brain scans show that time in nature quiets stress circuits, restores attention, and reduces rumination in measurable ways.

A few minutes beside trees or water can shift the brain into a calmer state. That change is not just a feeling.

Nature can be a form of therapy — even when you spend time with it in the dark. “Dark nature” activities like stargazing and moonlit hikes can spark feelings of connectedness and awe, which may offer ...