When someone suggests you “just go for a walk” when you’re stressed, it may feel like a small and ordinary piece of advice that doesn’t match the size of your burden. However, research shows that spending time outside can have significant benefits on health and well-being.
One of the largest studies on this topic found that people who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature reported better health and well-being. This time spent in nature was associated with lower risk of depression and reduced levels of the body’s primary stress hormone, cortisol.
Time outside seems to lower cortisol levels, reduce rumination, and give the brain a break, leading to a calmer stress response and improved mood. This effect is not limited to remote or dramatic nature; even city parks and tree-lined streets can have a positive impact.
Practical guidelines based on research recommend spending at least two hours a week in nature, with consistency being more important than intensity. Green environments, like parks and gardens, show stronger associations with mood benefits.
Nature access tends to be neglected during hard times, but it can be particularly beneficial during recovery or difficult seasons. Incorporating nature-based approaches into treatment settings can target physiological patterns that traditional therapy may not address effectively.
While time outside can be a useful tool for improving well-being, it should not replace professional care when needed. Seeking help from a therapist or doctor is important for persistent mood symptoms or coping mechanisms like substance use.
Overall, spending just seventeen minutes a day outside can be a evidence-backed starting point for rebuilding from difficult times.
Could you please rewrite the following sentence: “I am unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment.”