Looking for a quick tip for how to get even more from your exercise routine? Take it outdoors, and give your mind and mood a beneficial workout in addition to the one your body’s getting.
Recent findings from a series of health studies involving more than 1,200 adults in the UK indicate that combining physical activity with a natural, green setting provides a powerful boost to mental health. The effect on mood remains in place as long as the workout continues in your park or green space of choice, but is most pronounced immediately, and bolsters well-being and self-esteem significantly after just five minutes of activity.
Furthermore, the mental health boost provided by combining exercise with nature is even more dramatic if the setting includes a water feature such as a pond or stream.
According to BBC, the findings are published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. Lead researcher and study author Jules Pretty of the University of Essex tells BBC that the effects are particularly pronounced in the young and in those who are experiencing challenges with mental health. A green exercise regimen would be especially beneficial for those who are inactive or under stress on a regular basis.
“Employers, for example, could encourage staff in stressful workplaces to take a short walk at lunchtime in the nearest park to improve mental health,” Pretty tells BBC.
The research took into consideration a wide variety of activities (running, biking, walking, gardening, etc.) and settings (nature trail, garden, park). While all types of green exercise were seen to lead to improvements in mental health indicators such as mood and self-esteem, the biggest eye-opener was just how quickly the effects announce their presence. Only five minutes of exercise in a green setting is enough to bring about a significantly improved mood.
Photo by volcrano via Flickr.