As an executive coach, I've long extolled the benefits of nature to my clients as it can play such a big part in getting back in touch with our best self. Of course, the great British weather doesn't always lend itself to a coach-while-you-walk session.

However, watching videos of nature while listening to mindful audio can deliver positive mood-related benefits and increase productivity at work, according to an Aston University study commissioned by Your Virtual Mind Trainer, part of the Indigo Talent Development network.

Researchers at Aston Business School, part of Aston University, identified that the combination can also help improve mood and energy, and boost creativity and innovation processes.   

Dr Wladislaw Rivkin, associate professor in organisational behaviour at Trinity Business School (and former lecturer at Aston Business School), explains: "Results from a field experiment across 15 days demonstrate that a six-minute immersive VR or video experience benefits employees’ energy levels and increases their mood. These psychological benefits carry over and help employees to maintain a high effectiveness and be creative throughout the day."

Separate research studies have also supported these findings. 

According to one study from BBC Earth and the University of California, Berkeley, feeling a part of nature can help boost your happiness, improve mindfulness and lower cognitive anxiety. Access to nature both physical and through film footage and imagery can also help people manage the stress of modern living.

While another study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology also found that Immersive experiences of nature can boost wellbeing and reduce negative emotions. Researchers from the University of Exeter first induced feelings of boredom in participants by asking them to watch a video in which a person describes their work at an office supply company. 

They then experienced scenes of an underwater coral reef in one of three different ways: on TV; in a VR headset using 360o video; and in a VR headset using computer generated interactive graphics.

The research team found that all viewing methods minimised negative feelings such as sadness, as well as significantly reducing boredom. However, the interactive virtual reality experience also led to increases in positive feelings, such as happiness, and strengthened how connected people felt to nature.