Our top five image types to help soothe your stress

Did you know, looking at certain images, colours and shapes within pictures can have a calming effect when you’re stressed?

1. Natural Greenery

Green is a naturally soothing calm colour. Looking at images that take us back into the freshness of nature can calm our busy minds.

2. Landscapes

According to a study, looking at images of natural landscape reduces activity in the brain’s orbitofrontal cortex that regulates emotion. This can help reduce anxiety and worry.

3. Repeating patterns

Gazing at images of interesting repeating patterns found in nature such as shells, flowers and leaves or man made designs such as tiles, fabrics and architecture can help reduce our stress and cause relaxation.

4. Waterscapes

A survey study in 2021 showed a positive link between ocean views and better mental health. Increased views of blue space such as seascapes and skies are closely associated with lessening stress.

5. Cuteness

There’s nothing like the cute factor to bring out the “aaaaahhhhhh” in us all lifting and improving our mood, helping us to pause and smile in times of stress.