Can you imagine how sunrise and sunset can affect our mental health? A study did just that. The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, was titled “Beyond Blue Sky Thinking: Daily Patterns and Fleeting Weather Phenomena Influence Appraisals of Beauty, Admiration, and Value in Urban and Natural Landscapes,” and was conducted by researchers Alexander Smalley and Mathew White. from the prestigious University of Exeter in the UK.
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The methodology used was to carefully present a series of images of urban and natural environments to 2,500 participants. The idea was to assess how people reacted to magical twilight scenes. And the result was: They found these landscapes simply breathtaking, much more so than at any other time of the day.
The researchers found that this feeling can improve mood, social behavior and positive emotions in participants, which is extremely valuable for promoting overall wellbeing.
rare natural events
It doesn’t stop there! Scientists also studied other rare natural phenomena such as rainbows, thunderstorms and a moonlit starry sky. And guess what? These elements also had a significant impact on how participants evaluated the presented environments, making for unique and enchanting experiences.
When asked if they would be willing to pay to experience these scenes in real life, respondents were willing to pay up to 10% more to experience the sunrise compared to an ordinary blue sky. This discovery demonstrates that these moments hold emotional value similar to that of enduring landmarks such as scenic lakes or historic buildings.
Based on these findings, researcher Smalley suggests that incorporating these natural events into our routine can be a real “green recipe” to take care of our mental health.
“Our research shows that getting up a little earlier for sunrise or planning a hike to see the sunset can be worthwhile. The ‘wow’ factor associated with these encounters may be small, but they result in significant increases in feelings of beauty and wonder, which in turn could have positive implications for mental wellbeing.”
This study shows us that nature has a transformative power in our lives. Enjoying these moments connects us to the beauty around us and gives us a new perspective on the world. So how about taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoying these natural wonders?