Hidden Brain: “How Nature Heals Us” (Nov 3, 2025)

Host: Shankar Vedantam
Guest: Mark Berman, Psychologist, University of Chicago

Overview

This episode explores the profound and emerging science behind nature’s ability to heal and restore the human mind. Host Shankar Vedantam engages psychologist Mark Berman in a lively, evidence-based conversation about why being outdoors boosts mood, restores cognitive resources, and even alleviates symptoms of depression, PTSD, and ADHD. They delve into historical anecdotes, cutting-edge studies, and practical ways to bring nature’s restorative effects into our daily lives—even indoors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Nature Matters for Mental Health

• Nature as Free, Pleasant Medicine: Shankar sets the stage by highlighting that while millions depend on medication and therapy for mental health, we may be overlooking a simple, side-effect-free remedy available right outside: time in nature. (01:45)

“We are talking about spending time in nature. The capacity of the natural world to soothe and refresh our sensibilities has been known for centuries, but it's only recently that scientists have begun to identify exactly what it is about the outdoors that has such a powerful effect on our moods and our minds.” — Shankar Vedantam (01:59)

Stories of Transformation

Jackson Pollock’s Recovery in Nature (05:36–09:33)

• Artistic Inspiration & Emotional Soothing: The artist—battling depression and alcoholism in New York—found increased calm and inspiration after moving to rural Long Island, surrounded by nature.

“He was no longer as volatile. He was no longer as depressed. And it seemed like being in that environment was also quite inspirational for his artwork...being out in nature inspired this new art form for him.” — Mark Berman (08:24)

• Nature Not a Panacea, But a Support: Nature didn’t ‘cure’ Pollock, but it helped stabilize him.

“It does seem to be the case that people's interactions with nature can be very beneficial for people who are suffering from depression and anxiety or ADHD, even things like PTSD.” — Mark Berman (09:33)

Surf Therapy for Veterans (10:06–12:47)

• Innovative PTSD Treatment: Veterans with depression, PTSD, or traumatic brain injury thrived in a 6-week surf therapy program—combining nature, exercise, and group bonding.

“They found that PTSD symptoms and depression symptoms went down when these surfers were involved in the program...more positive mood, less negative mood.” — Mark Berman (12:15)

Personal Story: Healing after a Breakup (12:47–17:37)

• Nature as Comfort: Mark describes visiting a giant oak tree in Barton Park, Michigan, for solace after a painful breakup.

“When you're in front of majestic nature...it does sort of make your problems feel a little bit smaller, that we're part of something larger.” — Mark Berman (16:13)

• Perspective Through Time: Trees’ longevity offers a comforting sense of perspective on our own troubles.

The Science Behind Nature’s Restorative Power

Classic Research: Hospital Recovery and Nature (21:19–24:25)

• Ulrich’s Seminal Study: Patients recovering from gallbladder surgery recovered a day earlier and used less pain medication if they had a modest natural view, compared to a brick wall.

“It's just amazing that being randomly assigned to the room that had the modest nature view could speed recovery and also cause people to use less pain medication.” — Mark Berman (22:01)

Theoretical Frameworks

• Biophilia Hypothesis: Humans have an inherent affinity for nature—preferred habitats offer both resources and refuge (24:40).
• Attention Restoration Theory: Nature restores “directed attention” by engaging us in “softly fascinating” involuntary attention, which is less fatiguing than urban or screen-based stimulation (25:53–29:38).

“You don't often hear people say, oh, I can't look at that beautiful waterfall anymore. It's just too beautiful. It's too tiring to look at.” — Mark Berman (27:14)

Cognitive Benefits: It’s Not Just About Enjoyment (35:35–40:38)

• Nature’s Impact is Robust: Cognitive restoration—20% improvement on challenging memory tasks—occurred even in freezing winter, and was unrelated to how much people enjoyed the walk.

“You don't even need to enjoy the nature walk to get the benefit.” — Mark Berman (39:12)

What Makes Nature Different? (30:17–34:19)

• Processing Fluency: Brains easily absorb richly-detailed, softly fascinating natural scenes.
• Curved Edges & Fractals: Natural environments have repeating patterns and curves—features our brains find pleasing and easy to process.

Bridging Science to Everyday Life

Misjudging Nature’s Benefits (45:12–46:40)

• We Underestimate the Value: People routinely enjoy nature walks more than they expect.

“People really, really underestimated how much they would enjoy the walk in nature. So their forecasts were wrong.” — Mark Berman (45:24)

Soundscapes and Accessibility (47:07–48:20)

• Nature Sounds Help, Too: Even artificial nature sounds boost cognitive performance, highlighting the potential for nature ‘supplements’ when real exposure isn’t possible.

Nature as Prescription (48:20–49:42)

• Prescribing Nature: UK and Canada already advocate ‘green prescriptions’ for mental health. Evidence supports it as a supplement—not a replacement—for therapy or medication.

Inequality and Green Space (49:42–51:26)

• Access Disparities: Wealthy areas have more access to green space, compounding social inequities.

“This isn't just a nice amenity that wealthy people have. This is something fundamental to all humans.” — Mark Berman (50:22)

Decision-Making in Nature (51:26–53:30)

• Difficult Decisions, Easier Outdoors: Mark and his wife found nature walks helpful for working through significant life choices.

Bringing Nature Indoors: “Naturizing” Our Environments (56:31–61:28)

• Indoor Nature Benefits: Even artificial plants or nature images in homes, offices, hotels, airports, and hospitals can have positive effects.

“Even having plants, even if they're artificial plants, in our homes, in our offices, can also lead to some benefits.” — Mark Berman (56:31)

• Micro-doses of Nature: These small reminders can provide “little boosts of directed attention.”

Designing Greener Cities and Routes (61:28–62:47)

• Nature-Enriched Paths: Mark’s team is developing an app (ReTUNE) to help people choose greener walking routes, maximizing restorative exposure.

Architecture Mimicking Nature (62:47–66:36)

• Natural Elements in Design: Gothic and intricate architecture, with curves and fractals, is rated as more pleasant and may be more restorative than boxy, rectilinear buildings.

“It just felt so much better to be in there with all of that beautiful architecture.” — Mark Berman (66:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Perspective:
  “...the Vastness of nature can make us feel small, but I think in a good way, where we realize we’re part of something bigger.” — Mark Berman (16:13)

• On Misunderstood Rest:
  “Watching sports is not really softly fascinating. That’s a bit harshly fascinating…even when my team won, sometimes I would feel a bit irritated after watching.” — Mark Berman (43:30)

• On Access and Justice:
  “It’s sort of an environmental justice issue…This is something fundamental to all humans that we need to have access to these natural spaces. And if we don’t have it, people are going to suffer.” — Mark Berman (50:22)

Timestamps for Pivotal Segments

• Jackson Pollock’s Story: 05:36–09:33
• Veterans Surf Therapy: 10:06–12:47
• Mark’s Personal Tree Story: 12:47–17:37
• Hospital Recovery Study: 21:19–24:25
• Attention Restoration Theory: 25:53–29:38
• Curves, Fractals & Processing Fluency: 30:17–34:19
• Cognitive Restoration Study: 35:35–40:38
• Nature Sounds for Cognitive Benefits: 47:07–48:20
• Green Space and Social Inequality: 49:42–51:26
• Naturizing Our Interiors: 56:31–61:28
• App for Greener Routes (ReTUNE): 61:28–62:47
• Architecture Mimicking Nature: 62:47–66:36

Practical Takeaways

• Spending time outdoors is a potent, measurable way to improve mental health and cognitive performance—even if you don’t expect to enjoy (or actually enjoy) it.
• Nature’s healing power is embedded in its softly fascinating features—curves, complexity, soundscapes, and fractal shapes.
• When access to real nature is limited, artificial nature (plants, sound machines, images) can provide smaller but real benefits.
• Greener architecture and urban planning—including routes with more trees—can provide restorative benefits in daily life.
• Advocacy for equal access to green spaces is a matter of both health and justice.

Closing Words:
Mark Berman reminds us that nature is not a luxury, but a necessity for mind and body alike. Whether stepping outside, gazing at a tree from your window, or sitting in a leafy lobby, even small doses of the natural world can quietly restore and inspire us.