Psychology studies show that Visual arts are effective in reducing stress and anxiety.

Cited from Arts in Heathcare Research
"Art. Graphic
Relaxation and distraction can reduce stress and anxiety during dental procedures. These effects may be measured by salivary IgA, self-report, or other measures of tension and stress(11), (12).
1. Corah NL, Gates EN, & Illig SJ: The use of relaxation and distraction to reduce psychological stress during dental procedures. J. Am Dental Assoc 98: 390-394, 1979;"

"Another study compared the effects of photographs of nature scenes, computer-generated abstract art, a blank panel, or nothing on heart surgery patients. Less postoperative anxiety was experienced by patients who looked at a picture of open water with trees(15).
1. Ulrich R. The effects of photographs of nature scenes, computer-generated abstract art, a blank panel, or nothing on heart surgery patients. Presented at the Conference of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare on Diabetes and the Arts, 2002."

Environment
"Nature photography is recommended for use in a hospital. Color photography, when coupled with nature, can be a healing medium on conscious and subliminal levels. Reproductions of scenes in nature can emit a healing energy(28).
1. Oberlander R: Beauty in a hospital aids the cure. Hospitals 53(6): 89-92, 1979."

Cited from Seeing through patients' eyes
HD,  Jun 2004  by Mahoney, Claire

..."ideas are supported by Roger Ulrich's research*, which confirms that patients who have certain types of visual distraction before or during treatment - at what Fischer calls 'focal points' - will experience lower blood pressure, have less incidence of nervous twitching or movement requiring repeat treatment, and will walk away with a more positive experience of the facility.
The images are typically calming scenes of nature.."
"Research shows that patients experience lower blood pressure, heart and pulse rates and use less pain medication when the hospital environment is enhanced by photographic interpretations of nature," explains Fischer. "Our goal is to reduce patient stress,..

Cited from Natural Healing
Chicago Tribune, Health & Science - August 1, 1996

An article written by Bob Condor, A Tribune Staff Writer, about a Nature photographer named Charles Needle, from Stevens Point, WI, who gained scientific research supporting his perspective that "nature counteracts illnesses and improves health and well-being."He cites studies that show the increased productivity of workers in environments with scenic views as well. His photos have been displayed in many health care facilities, filling the need that Nature photography provides - reducing anxiety and promoting well-being to patients.
Needle states that more than one-third of our waking hours are spent in indoor workplaces, which "include computers, controlled air systems, permanently locked windows and flourescent lighting." With this cited, Needle says there is a need for more contact with nature. Though Needle's medium of addressing the need for nature in medical facilities is his Nature images, he suggests more than 25 other ways to discover the power of nature, even if you live in an urban environment.