3 Types of Calming Pictures

Chronic stress can lead to anxious feelings and thoughts, taking a toll on your mental health. Calming pictures and certain colors, such as blue and green, may help you relax and improve your mood. This type of mindfulness meditation helps you maintain your attention and awareness in the present moment.

What images make people feel calm? Pictures of nature, seascapes, and fractals might induce relaxation Read on to take a mental vacation with these calming pictures and learn what types of pictures can alleviate stress.

Nature

The link between nature and relaxation is no secret. Research has shown that simply living near green spaces improves mental health and well-being. Looking at pictures of nature can also help.

Some evidence suggests that pictures of nature reduce activity in the orbitofrontal cortex. This part of your brain regulates emotion. The orbitofrontal cortex can be hyperactive when you experience anxiety or depression symptoms, causing stress or worry.

A study published in 2021 compared pictures of forests to pictures of cities. The researchers found the forest pictures similarly reduced activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, increasing comfort and relaxation.

Seascapes

Many white noise machines include a whoosh of crashing waves. Even looking at calming pictures of the ocean can have a similar relaxing effect. A survey published in 2021 found a link between ocean views and improved mental health. The researchers linked views of blue space, including seascapes, to reduced stress.

Fractals

Natural fractals are patterns that recur on finer and finer scales. You can find fractals almost everywhere in nature, including in shells, flowers, leaves, snowflakes, and river deltas. There are also artificially made designs in architecture.

Research has shown that fractals can reduce stress. These patterns can result in positive psychological experiences, especially relaxation. Try looking at a succulent or sunflower if you want to look at a fractal to reduce stress.

Calming Colors

Colors can have a major impact on stress levels. Blue and green, in particular, can do wonders for your mood. These colors can stimulate clear thought, calm your mind, and help you concentrate.

Both colors are common in nature. Green and neutral earth tones may remind you of plants. You may think of the sky and the sea when you see shades of blue. Research has found that blue light exposure can significantly reduce blood pressure. Your blood pressure might temporarily spike if you are stressed.

Tips

How often you use calming pictures and colors is up to you. Just try to be consistent either way, regardless of whether you look at calming pictures and colors daily or once per week.

Here are some ways to help you relax while looking at calming pictures:

• Find somewhere quiet and comfortable that's free from interruption.
• Make sure the temperature is comfortable and not too hot or cold.
• Relax your body and muscles, especially any tense areas.
• Spend a few minutes looking at calming pictures or colors while deeply breathing.
• Try to focus on the image in front of you and how it makes you feel.

A Quick Review

Try looking at calming pictures the next time you are stressed. Certain images, shapes, and colors can have a calming effect on your mind, improving your mood and helping you relax. Consider keeping these sorts of images on hand for times of stress, whether you are new to this type of mindfulness meditation or a seasoned professional.