Virtual walk in the forest helps to relieve stress

For the study, a 360° video was created in one of the largest European forests, the Sonnenberg Nature Reserve. The sounds of nature and even the smell of fir essential oils were added to the pictures so that the participants could experience the forest with all their senses.

The researchers tested different options: only pictures, only sounds, only smells, and all together. The results were obvious — the combination of all three sensations gives the strongest effect: the mood improves, and the sense of connection with nature becomes brighter.

Before diving into the forest, the participants experienced stress while looking at the disturbing images. But after the virtual walk, most felt noticeably calmer and performed better with short—term memory, an important brain function.

Although the study was small, it opens the way to new ways of caring for mental health. This is especially true for those who live in a city where access to real nature is limited, or for hospitals and clinics where stress and anxiety are frequent visitors.

“Virtual nature will not replace a living forest, but it can have a powerful positive effect on emotions,” says Leonie Ascone, lead author of the study.

Simone Kuhn, the project manager, adds that such technologies can be a real salvation for those who cannot get out into nature, but need its restorative effect. The sounds, pictures, and scents of the forest are much more effective than we used to think.

Interestingly, in another study, scientists have shown that watching nature videos helps people tolerate pain more easily. This means that a virtual forest is not only a recreation, but also a health support.

Virtual bathing in the forest is a modern and affordable way to improve your well—being, even if the real nature is far away.