Researchers Investigate How Much 'Nature Time' We Need To Help Reduce Stress

in #nature6 years ago


Stress is a big issue for many today and there are a variety of tools and services that have been offered on the market that aim to help with this problem. Health experts have frequently asserted that spending time in nature, being exposed to greenery, can not only help to promote longevity but it can possibly reduce stress levels and increase your overall enjoyment in life.

But how much time might you have to spend in nature, before you could potentially reap those benefits and possibly lower your stress level?

Researchers wanted to investigate that question and in a recently published study, they suggest that as little as 20 or 30 mins could go a long way in helping to reap these benefits.

By spending at least 20 or 30 minutes every day taking a walk for example, researchers suggest that the activity might help to lower stress hormone levels, and promote a feeling of being in connection with nature. And it doesn't have to be walking either, researchers also note that you could simply sit outside in a place that provides you with a sense of nature.

The connection between well-being and exposure to nature and greenery, is one that has been studied in a variety of settings and continually it's claimed that spending time in nature can help to provide a myriad of benefits.

Among them are an increase in vitamin D levels, improved focus, reduced stress, a better immune system, improved vision, and more.

A recent survey by H&R Block suggests that the average person today has only about 4 hours and 26 mins of free time every week, which doesn't leave much extra time for people to carve out to spend outside. Previous studies on this topic, which looked at the connection between nature exposure and longevity, have also concluded that it's better to get daily exposure even if it's a little, than bi-weekly exposure etc, with a planned trip to the park or lake.

Taking a 10 or 20 minute walk every day is a free and easy way for people to start making a tangible difference, by trying to gain more exposure to greenery in their life, in an effort to potentially reap positive health benefits.

Pics:
Pic2 - giphy

The information that is posted above is not intended to be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.

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I'm very lucky, in that I have less than 5 min to walk to get into pure nature and woods, which at least from spring to autumn I also regularily do ( Not a big fan of going outside when it is wet and cold ;) ). From my own experience I can tell empirically that it counteracts stress and makes me happier and balances my mood.

I. Am totally see that amount of time reducing stress. I just told my daughter about that and she decided to take the dog for a walk in the nature preserve.

Plus, you will get paid for a couple thousand more steps if you are an @actifit user!

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I think the more time you spend outside the better. For me it is that way. If you live in the city it takes even more time to go to a place that one can call "nature". I am very happy because soon I will movee to a flat with a forest only 10 mins with the bike. Finally :) But there is nothing better (for my wellbeing) than spending some days outside hiking with a tent to sleep in and clean rivers to swim.

Very fortunate for the current set up i life that I can enjoy the outdoors so easily., just walk out the back door.

Very grateful. And the garden pulls me outside all the time haha

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I would agree with this. Seems like just getting out for a bit goes a long ways in making me feel better!

They shouldn't even need to "do a study". This is common sense, and modern science acts like they're confirming some new finding.

The fact of the matter is that we live and sleep on slabs of concrete, we wear shoes with rubber bottoms, we walk all day on asphalt/concrete, etc.. Not only are we disconnected from nature, we're literally disconnected from earth. When was the last time most people's feet touched bare grass? When was the last time most people laid in the grass and took a nap, or just watched nature. Even when we're "in nature" we're disconnected from its energies due to our shoes.

Ever wonder why you feel so refreshed after a visit to the beach? Because the waves crashing produce positive ions which our bodies desperately lack. Everyone should get into nature. Touch a tree, touch some plants. Walk barefoot in the grass for 20 minutes. Research grounding.

Hi doitvolunatrily, retreating into nature is my way of dealing with the stress of life. There are so many different exercise options to suit people.

Oh I need much less;)
For me Nature is so powerful that it's great just to come to the forest and I'll forget about everything in 5 min. Endless energy!

@doitvoluntarily hello dear friend. excellent the information that you share with us. Very interesting data arise in it. I was surprised that half an hour served to contribute in lowering the stress level
Thank you very much for letting us know this news
I wish you a wonderful week

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