8 results · ● Live web index
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov official

Nature-based activities and mental well-being in adults: a study on perceived health outcomes

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12241005

It can be stated that regular participation in nature sports creates a positive effect on mental well-being by increasing the level of perceived health outcomes. It can be stated that regular participation in nature sports creates a positive effect on mental well-being by increasing the level of perceived health outcomes. Therefore, promoting accessible and inclusive nature-based sports programs in communities, workplaces, and educational settings is recommended to support public mental and [...] also tend to have higher levels of mental well-being (58). Similarly, other studies have emphasized the positive effects of nature-based activities on mental health (59, 60). However, another study has found a significant impact of weekly participation frequency on mental well-being, which contrasts with the findings of the present study (16). This discrepancy may be explained by individual differences such as personality traits, coping styles, or prior experience with nature-based activities. [...] important factor in supporting individuals’ mental health. Park et al. (34), in their studies examining the physiological and psychological effects of walking in nature, revealed that nature has a relaxing effect compared to the urban environment and leads to positive changes in individuals’ mental processes. In addition, there are various studies in the literature that contact with nature reduces stress, contributes to emotional and cognitive development, increases social skills, and relaxes

Visit
health.state.mn.us article

Nature and Mental Health - MN Dept. of Health

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/mentalhealth/nature.html

Nature’s positive effects are often for individuals experiencing greater stress, trauma, or social inequities that impact mental and physical health. Increasing access to nature can help people heal from trauma and improve overall health, education, and wellbeing. ## The Science [...] Spending time in nature is a powerful way to support and restore mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that being in natural spaces can reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve brain function. Individuals, families, organizations, and communities can improve mental wellbeing by incorporating nature into their lives and work. ## The Basics ### 10 to 20 minutes a day [...] Boosts mood: Fresh air and greenery help increase serotonin and dopamine- neurochemicals that make you feel happier and more motivated. Sunlight also gives your body vitamin D, which is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Invites awe: Nature is a common source of awe- an experience or feeling that contributes to mental wellbeing. Awe can help us feel connected to something bigger by increasing feelings of empathy and social connection.

Visit
worldwildlife.org news

How Nature Boosts Mental Health

https://www.worldwildlife.org/news/stories/how-nature-boosts-mental-health

Time around nature decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression, strengthens wellbeing, and lowers stress. We can measure stress through the level of a hormone called cortisol. Being in nature significantly decreases our cortisol levels. [...] The connection between nature and health has shown up throughout history. But it’s really over the last few decades that the focus has exploded. A big reason is that we’ve spent consistently less time in nature. Adults spend more than 90% of their day indoors, much of it looking at phone and computer screens. At the same time, there’s been an increase in mental health issues. The research on the relationship between those two things is getting clearer and clearer.

Visit
nature.com article

A lower connection to nature is related to lower mental health benefits from nature contact | Scientific Reports

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-56968-5

Although many studies have shown that spending time in greenspace can have a positive relationship with mental health1."),2."),27."),29."), few studies have attempted to study the moderating effect of nature orientation on mental health benefits from greenspace visitation. We showed that individuals with a low connection to nature may experience the wellbeing effects not to a similar degree even though they visit public greenspaces frequently. The variability of benefit individuals may receive [...] In this study, we focus on how one’s connection to nature may translate into wellbeing outcomes through greater attentiveness to nature around specific individuals. We hypothesize that the relationship between wellbeing and nature contact is stronger for people with a stronger connection to nature than people with a weaker connection to nature. This could be because individuals with a stronger connection to nature tend to be more conscious and more mindful of the nature around them when they [...] may receive was highly related to differences in personal outlooks, in this case the connection to nature, with the lack of improvement in the subjective wellbeing in individuals with a low connection to nature per se. This result may be because these individuals, even when they spend a lot of time in nature, are not conscious of nature, and therefore do not receive the wellbeing benefit from nature experience than people who are more conscious of nature. We hypothesise that this lack of

Visit
mcpress.mayoclinic.org article

The mental health benefits of nature: Spending time outdoors to refresh your mind

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-na…

Some research suggests that even very quick visits outdoors can be beneficial. But there are indications that certain amounts and types of outdoor time may have greater impacts on well-being. A 2021 study, for example, found that the 20- to 90-minute sessions in nature were most beneficial for mental health, with gardening, nature-based therapy and exercise in green spaces being the most effective for adults. [...] Finally, there is evidence that nature exposure is associated with better cognitive function — like memory, attention, creativity and sleep quality. But perhaps the best part is that nature makes it easy to soak in these benefits. “Being present in nature doesn’t ask or require anything of us, so it frees up our mind to think more deeply and clearly about things,” says Smith. [...] One large survey found that people who spent at least two hours a week in nature — whether in one longer outing or in multiple smaller chunks of time — were more likely to positively describe their health and well-being than were people who spent no time in nature. If that seems unattainable, Smith recommends that you aim for 15 minutes each day.

Visit
apa.org article

Nurtured by nature

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

## Key points Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being. Feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to well-being, regardless of how much time one spends outdoors. Both green spaces and blue spaces (aquatic environments) produce well-being benefits. More remote and biodiverse spaces may be particularly helpful, though even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes. [...] In a review of the research, Gregory Bratman, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, and colleagues shared evidence that contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress (Science Advances , Vol. 5, No. 7, 2019 opens in new window). [...] Whatever you call it, connectedness to nature seems to benefit mood and mental health. In a meta-analysis, Alison Pritchard, PhD, ABPP, at the University of Derby in England, and colleagues found that people who feel more connected to nature have greater eudaimonic well-being—a type of contentment that goes beyond just feeling good and includes having meaningful purpose in life (Journal of Happiness Studies , Vol. 21, No. 3, 2020 opens in new window).

Visit
hsph.harvard.edu research

Time spent in nature can boost physical and mental well-being | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/time-spent-in-nature-can-boost-physical-and-men…

“[Time spent outdoors] provides a combination of stimulation of different senses and a break from typical overstimulation from urban environments,” she said. “Exposure to green space results in mental restoration and increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety and rumination. Improved mindfulness can result from exposure to green space as well.” [...] “Green spaces can be destinations for walking or bicycling, as well as space for play, and among children, green-space exposure is linked to more playtime and less screen time,” Eliassen told Pop Sugar. She also said that spending time in nature has been linked to better mental health and a decreased risk of psychiatric disorders among adults and children. [...] Eliassen, professor of nutrition and epidemiology, was among the experts quoted in a December 14 Pop Sugar article about the health impacts of nature and being outside. She explained that exposure to green space has been linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic disease—likely because people who spend more time in green spaces also report higher levels of exercise.

Visit
mentalhealth.org.uk research

Nature: How connecting with nature benefits our mental health | Mental Health Foundation

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/nature-how-connecting-natur…

## People with good nature connectedness tend to be happier Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is linked to better mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety. [...] Spending time in nature is good for us for lots of reasons. “Fresh air and exercise” have long been recommended as a way for many to feel better, physically and mentally. Now evidence shows us that the quality of our relationship with nature is part of the reason for its positive impact on our wellbeing. Researchers use the term “connectedness” to describe the ideal relationship. [...] Regarding mental health benefits, nature has a very wide definition. It can mean green spaces like parks, woodland or forests and blue spaces like rivers, wetlands, beaches or canals. It also includes trees on an urban street, private gardens, verges and even indoor plants or window boxes. Surprisingly, even watching nature documentaries is good for our mental health. This is great news as it means the mental health benefits of nature can be made available to nearly every one of us, no matter

Visit