A growing body of research shows that a variety of physiological benefits come from spending time in nature. This ranges from inhaling immune-boosting phytoncides to increasing empathy and cooperation.
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1. Increased Energy
Researchers have compiled a growing body of evidence that time spent outdoors increases well-being. The results are the same for green or blue spaces, and for outdoor activities like walking or simply gazing at nature.
Researchers also find that nature makes us nicer to other people as well. When participants were shown videos of either nature or architecture, those who watched the nature video were more likely to cooperate with others in a simple game.
The Federal government is working to assess, commit, transform and disclose on nature, including through a new interagency group called the Nature in Communities Committee. The Committee will focus on reimagining existing programs to ensure that disadvantaged communities get the greatest benefit from our historic investments in nature. They will do this by focusing on strategies that address climate and health, such as providing access to healthy food and parks.
3. Lower Stress Levels
The ongoing overstimulation of our environment – flashing screens, vibrating phones, rumbling roadways – can raise stress levels without you even realizing it. Nature can provide a break from the countless distracting stimuli that vie for our attention and help us de-stress.
Several studies have found that spending time in nature can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels. In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, participants spent 10 minutes three days a week in a variety of nature settings for eight weeks. They could walk or sit during their time in nature.
It was found that just 20 minutes of a nature experience was enough to decrease cortisol levels, and additional stress reduction benefits accrued more slowly after that. This can be as simple as a backyard hike or a stroll in the park.
4. Better Mental Health
Studies show that the presence of green spaces can restore mental health and focus. For example, a study compared people who took a break in a nature setting versus those who did so near a busy intersection and found that the group in the natural setting was able to return to work with greater concentration than the other.
Other research has shown that green space can lower rumination and anxiety, reduce stress hormone levels and enhance creativity and positive moods. These benefits are even stronger for those with mental illnesses and chronic conditions such as ADHD.
While some of us may not be able to get as much access to nature as others, it’s important to try. Getting just two hours of green time a week has been shown to improve health and well-being, regardless of whether that happens in one visit or spread out over several.
5. Reduced Anxiety
Research has found that people who spend at least two hours a week in nature are more likely to say they feel healthy and have a sense of well-being than those who don’t. Getting a dose of nature can also help us be nicer to one another and the planet.
Researchers have also found that nature can reduce feelings of anxiety by decreasing our level of cortisol, a stress hormone. A study by Mathew White and his team found that people’s levels of cortisol dropped at a faster rate when they spent 20 to 30 minutes in a natural setting, and that the benefits didn’t dissipate over time.
This benefit, however, isn’t available to everyone. Certain groups, including women, young people, disabled and ethnic minorities, often struggle to access and enjoy nature because of a lack of safe and accessible routes, or because they are at greater risk of crime or discrimination.