Ep 11 The Neuroscience of Nature & Our Health

In this fascinating episode, we dive deep into the intersection of neuroscience, nature, and human behavior with Martin O’Neill, lecturer, Neuroscientist and PhD supervisor whose research explores how natural environments shape our wellbeing, attention, mood, and decision-making.

Together, we unpack how the brain’s reward systems respond to uncertainty, how modern environments disrupt ancient neural circuits, and how reconnecting with nature can transform stress, gut health, and mental wellbeing.

1. Dopamine Pathways & Human Behaviour

We explore how dopamine actually works (beyond the pop-psych myths) and why it is less the “pleasure molecule” and more a prediction and motivation system.
Martin explains:

• How dopamine shapes choices, goal pursuit, and habit formation

• Why our brains are wired to respond to uncertainty

• How modern environments overload these systems

This ties into why many people feel constantly “on edge,” overstimulated, or unable to switch off — and how nature resets these pathways.

2. Uncertainty, Time & Decision-Making

Martin breaks down:

• How the brain weighs risk vs reward

• The role of time horizons in behavioural decisions

• Why uncertainty is cognitively expensive

• How natural spaces help restore the brain’s capacity for clear thinking

We look at how high-pressure workplaces create conditions that hijack the brain’s decision-making architecture — and how targeted recovery strategies can reverse that.

This is where the conversation comes alive. We dive into how natural environments affect:

• Cognitive load

• Stress hormones

• Emotional regulation

• Creativity

• Mental health

• Attention restoration

Martin discusses the emerging science behind forest bathing, sensory immersion, and nature-based interventions.

3. The Neuroscience of NatureThis is where the conversation comes alive. We dive into how natural environments affect:

• Cognitive load

• Stress hormones

• Emotional regulation

• Creativity

• Mental health

• Attention restoration

Martin discusses the emerging science behind forest bathing, sensory immersion, and nature-based interventions.

4. Forest Bathing, Senses & the Body–Brain Connection

We explore how different sensory pathways respond to natural environments:

• Sight: The restorative effect of fractal shapes in trees

• Sound: Nature’s influence on the nervous system

• Touch: Grounding and tactile input

• Smell: How forest scents influence mood, immunity, and stress

• Gut microbiome: How time in forests may alter the gut–brain axis

This part of the episode highlights how deeply connected our physiology is to natural signals modern life removes.

This was truly a fascinating episode and I think part 2 is definately on the cards.