Even 10 Minutes In Nature Brings Positive Mental Benefit

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253 - 30 Years of Research Reveals Surprising 10-Minute Mental Health Boost
SciTech Daily By Jennifer Nozawa, University of Utah July 31, 2024
https://scitechdaily.com/30-years-of-research-reveals-surprising-10-minute-mental-health-boost/

Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves thinking, and boosts one’s mood.According to a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Ecopsychology, spending time in nature—even as little as 10 minutes—can yield short-term benefits for adults with mental illness. The new meta-analysis examined 30 years of published research on the social, mental, and physical health effects of exposure to nature, including urban nature.


 From 14,168 studies that met their initial search criteria, Bettmann and her multidisciplinary research team carefully narrowed their analysis to focus on 45 studies, which included a total of 1,492 adult participants with a diagnosed mental illness. Some of the examined experiences included structured therapeutic interventions, while some involved nature experiences alone.“

Ten minutes in urban nature is far less intimidating, expensive, and time-consuming for people who do not have the time, resources, interest, community support or equipment to venture into the wilderness for days or weeks,” wrote the authors.


Positive Effects of Different Outdoor Spaces

The analysis also indicated that water-based outdoor spaces—rivers, lakes, oceans—and camping, farming, and gardening activities had the greatest positive effect. Urban nature, mountains and forests also offered significant effects.


“All of these different types of outdoor spaces delivered positive results, which underscores the importance of preserving green spaces in our natural and built environments,” said Bettmann.