Spending time in nature, including artificial gardens on hospital rooftops, may help improve mental health and induce relaxation.
A study involving 38 Japanese university students examined the psychological and cardiovascular effects of different environments (forest, flowers, ocean, and an artificial garden) on heart rate variability.
Results showed that exposure to these natural settings, including artificial gardens, led to a significant reduction in heart rate variability ratios, indicating a potential balance in the nervous system beneficial for mental health.