University of Exeter — MedicalXPress — 14 October 2020
Watching high quality nature programmes on TV can uplift people’s moods, reduce negative emotions, and help alleviate boredom associated with being isolated indoors, according to a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. The research used scenes from the BBC’s Blue Planet II series under laboratory conditions. All viewing methods minimised negative feelings and significantly reduced boredom. The interactive virtual reality experience additionally led to increases in positive feelings and strengthened how connected people felt to nature. Lead researcher Nicky Yeo said: “This study suggests that nature programmes might offer an accessible way for populations to benefit from a ‘dose’ of digital nature during COVID-19 quarantines.”