The power of nature walks: How just 20 minutes outdoors can boost mental well-being
Walking in general is known to have proven benefits for the human body and its health. However, did you know walking in nature- parks and gardens, is known to boost your physical as well as mental health? Yes, walks surrounded by the beauty of nature lift the mood, reduce anxiety and depression and improve mental clarity.
Benefits of nature walks
According to a 2019 study published in the Frontiers in Psychology, spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels. The levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, were measured from saliva samples taken before and after nature outings. The results revealed the biggest drop in cortisol levels .
According to the Attention Restoration Theory, nature's "soft fascinations" such as flowing water and rustling leaves aid in replenishing focused attention. Various lab-based studies have found that people have better attention and perform better at memory tasks after viewing natural scenery.
Walking in nature does incredible work for a person's mental health. It calms a person and reduces the feelings of anxiety and depression. A study in Denmark examined 900,000 residents born between 1985 and 2003 to find that children who live in more green spaces have lower risks of mental disorders in later life.
Walking in nature is effective in improving one's physical health as well. Along with reducing cortisol levels, nature walks Just a 15-minute walk in nature improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and resting heart rate. Additionally, a study found that spending time in nature increases endurance performance as well.
Why should you have 20-minute nature walks?
Along with the Harvard Health study that specifically states that 20-minute walks in nature reduced cortisol levels to shocking lows, there are other studies that suggest 20-minute walks in greenery are all you need.
As per a study published in ScienceDirect.com, spending even 15 minutes walking in nature is known to make workouts more enjoyable and lower the effort in them.
Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research added that spending 20 minutes is enough to improve well-being. Well-being scores rose during the park visit in 60% of people with an average increase of about 1.5 points.
With all the benefits in such a short time, 20-minute nature walks can be an easy addition to the routine of every person no matter what age and lifestyle.
Benefits of nature walks
According to a 2019 study published in the Frontiers in Psychology, spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels. The levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, were measured from saliva samples taken before and after nature outings. The results revealed the biggest drop in cortisol levels .
According to the Attention Restoration Theory, nature's "soft fascinations" such as flowing water and rustling leaves aid in replenishing focused attention. Various lab-based studies have found that people have better attention and perform better at memory tasks after viewing natural scenery.
Walking in nature does incredible work for a person's mental health. It calms a person and reduces the feelings of anxiety and depression. A study in Denmark examined 900,000 residents born between 1985 and 2003 to find that children who live in more green spaces have lower risks of mental disorders in later life.
Walking in nature is effective in improving one's physical health as well. Along with reducing cortisol levels, nature walks Just a 15-minute walk in nature improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and resting heart rate. Additionally, a study found that spending time in nature increases endurance performance as well.
Why should you have 20-minute nature walks?
Along with the Harvard Health study that specifically states that 20-minute walks in nature reduced cortisol levels to shocking lows, there are other studies that suggest 20-minute walks in greenery are all you need.
As per a study published in ScienceDirect.com, spending even 15 minutes walking in nature is known to make workouts more enjoyable and lower the effort in them.
Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research added that spending 20 minutes is enough to improve well-being. Well-being scores rose during the park visit in 60% of people with an average increase of about 1.5 points.
With all the benefits in such a short time, 20-minute nature walks can be an easy addition to the routine of every person no matter what age and lifestyle.
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