A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology has found that spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress levels. Researchers from the University of Michigan in the United States discovered that just three walks per week in a park or forest can lead to a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. While it has long been known that spending time in nature can have a positive effect on mental health, this study is the first to provide detailed evidence of the benefits.
Stress can lead to the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, which can cause a range of health problems including depression, heart disease, obesity, and a weakened immune system. The study suggests that regular relaxation in nature can help combat these issues. The researchers found that spending just 20-30 minutes in nature can lead to a decrease in cortisol levels, with the greatest effect seen in those who sat or walked at a leisurely pace. The study’s lead author, ecologist MaryCarol Hunter, referred to this as a “nature pill” that can be used to combat stress.
The study involved 36 participants who took at least three walks per week in nature for a minimum of ten minutes each time. Saliva samples were taken at the beginning, middle, and end of the study to measure cortisol levels. Participants were allowed to choose the location and duration of their walks to avoid disrupting their normal routines. The study’s findings provide evidence-based recommendations for doctors to give to patients suffering from stress, offering a natural way to reduce cortisol levels and improve mental health. Other studies have also found similar benefits of spending time in nature, including faster healing times and lower pain medication use in hospital patients, as well as lower rates of heart disease and diabetes in areas with more trees.
