Watching Nature Scenes Can Help Ease Pain, According to New Study

Can a stroll through nature—or even just gazing at it—actually reduce pain? It turns out, the answer might be yes. A new study led by researchers from the University of Vienna and the University of Exeter has revealed that exposure to nature not only alleviates psychological symptoms of pain but also impacts the brain's pain-processing mechanisms.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study adds weight to the idea that immersing oneself in nature could serve as a legitimate, non-pharmaceutical pain management approach.

To test this, the researchers had 49 healthy adults sit inside an fMRI scanner—a device that tracks brain activity—while receiving mild electric shocks. Participants were shown three types of images during the experiment: serene nature scenes, crowded urban settings, and neutral, nondescript rooms. The fMRI scans revealed that viewing the nature scenes significantly reduced sensory pain signals in the brain.

Using advanced machine-learning techniques, the researchers analyzed how the brain processed the pain stimuli. Fascinatingly, the results suggest that nature's soothing effects on pain go beyond just helping people relax; instead, they appear to directly alter the brain's pain-sensing pathways. In other words, this isn’t just a placebo effect—it’s science.

Max Steininger, a University of Vienna PhD student and the study’s lead author, explained, "People consistently report feeling less pain when exposed to nature. Our study is the first to provide evidence from brain scans that this isn’t just driven by beliefs or expectations." He added, "The brain reacts less intensely to pain signals when viewing scenes of nature."

The findings echo earlier research from 40 years ago when American scientist Roger Ulrich discovered that hospital patients with views of green spaces needed fewer painkillers and recovered faster than those staring at brick walls. It seems we’ve always known nature had healing powers, but modern science is finally catching up.

Though the study’s results show that nature’s pain-relieving effects are weaker than those of traditional painkillers, they open up new possibilities for non-drug pain treatments. Dr. Alex Smalley, a co-author from the University of Exeter, emphasized the potential of virtual nature experiences, particularly for individuals who may not have access to the outdoors. "The fact that this effect can be achieved virtually has important implications for practical, accessible pain management," he said.

But Smalley also issued a gentle reminder: "This research underscores the importance of protecting natural environments—not just for the planet's health but for our own. Spending time in nature benefits both people and the environment."

So next time you’re feeling a little rough, maybe ditch the painkillers (if it’s safe, of course!) and find a park bench, or better yet, a trailhead. It’s science-approved self-care.