Watching nature shows on TV can cure boredom, sadness - Study Finds

A new study finds there may be a way to cure this boredom and get back in touch with nature, without leaving your couch.

Researchers at the University of Exeter find that watching nature programming actually reduces feelings of boredom and sadness.

“Our results show that simply watching nature on TV can help to lift people’s mood and combat boredom.

With people around the world facing limited access to outdoor environments because of COVID-19 quarantines, this study suggests that nature programs might offer an accessible way for populations to benefit from a ‘dose’ of digital nature,” lead researcher Nicky Yeo says in a university release.

Virtual reality experiences not only relieved boredom, but also increased positive feelings and strengthened a participant’s connection to nature.

“We’re particularly excited by the additional benefits immersive experiences of nature might provide,” study co-author Dr.

“But it might also help to encourage a deeper connection to nature in healthy populations, a mechanism which can foster more pro-environmental behaviors and prompt people to protect and preserve nature in the real world.”!