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Mar 4, 2024 · “There are many studies that demonstrate how spending time in nature can improve mood, lower anxiety, and improve cognition and memory,” says Mayo Clinic nurse practitioner Jodie M. Smith, APRN., C.N.P., D.N.P., M.S.N. “Making time for nature is important in order for us to maintain resiliency and promote self-care in a world that demands ...
- Overview
- Nature and well-being: What‘s the link?
- Outcomes on well-being
- Not all of nature’s effects were positive
- How nature benefits the body and mind
- How much time should you spend in nature?
- Tips to enhance your connection to nature
- Looking ahead
•A new study reveals the connection between nature and well-being is more significant than previously thought.
•Researchers discovered 227 links or nonmaterial ‘pathways’ that benefit well-being, which researchers describe as ‘intangible contributions’ provided by nature.
•While the majority of the findings were positive, some negative associations were identified.
•According to researchers, the study findings can help inform practices and policies in ecosystem management.
Numerous studies have revealed the positive effects that nature and the surrounding environment can have on mental and physical well-being. And now, new research published on August 5 from the University of Tokyo suggests the benefits of spending time in nature extend much further than previously believed.
Researchers conducted a systematic review of 301 academic articles, spanning 62 countries, on ‘cultural ecosystem services’ (CESs) — also known as the non-material or “intangible contributions” to well-being that nature provides.
Gasparatos said that connecting with nature provides opportunities for recreation and leisure, spiritual fulfillment, personal development, social relations, and aesthetic experiences.
Previous studies have shown that engaging in such opportunities can provide benefits such as enhanced physical and mental health, social cohesion, and a sense of place.
Alongside the 227 pathways identified by University of Tokyo researchers, Gasparatos said they also determined 16 “individual mechanisms.” Gasparatos described these mechanisms as the “overarching types of connection through which more specific pathways are created.”
According to Gasparatos, previous studies had already highlighted some of the mechanisms, but the new research has identified 10 more. These include:
•Cohesive: The development of meaningful human relationships through interactions with nature.
•Formative: When elements such as mood, attitude, behaviors, and values change instantly or over a short duration, following interaction with nature.
Researchers like Gasparatos say that it’s been challenging to gauge the true effects of nature on well-being.
“Although we have a good level of understanding that these linkages between non-material benefits and human well-being do exist, we are still not very sure as to the actual ways that these connections happen in reality, or their actual effect on different aspects of human well-being,” Gasparatos said.
“This is largely because many of the existing studies have used different methodologies [and] metrics, or focused on individual benefits, ecosystems, and geographical contexts.”
Still, Gasparatos said that he and his research team were able to better understand how the linkages occur in reality as well as their relative effects on different aspects of well-being.
The biggest benefits were seen in physical and mental health, with recreation, tourism, and aesthetic value — all notable CES contributors.
The significant role of CESs in driving feelings of connectedness and belonging followed second, as well as in establishing a sense of learning and capability.
Despite finding myriad benefits in their analysis, the researchers also saw not-so-favorable outcomes between CESs and human well-being — discovering three negative mechanisms and some less beneficial pathways.
“Although we knew that such links might exist, there are few studies that try to systematize this information,” said Gasparatos.
Two primary factors were recognized as potential negative contributors to well-being:
•The degradation or loss of an existing CES, such as an unmaintained park or building development.
•“Disservices,” such as constant loud tweeting of birds outside your window, which some might find annoying.
They also identified the existence of “trade-offs,” whereby some individuals benefit from a particular CES, but others do not.
We know that being outdoors in various environments can provide a host of benefits. But exactly how does nature impact our physiological and mental states?
“Nature’s benefits are facilitated not only by visual stimuli, but also by its sounds, smells, and all the other senses,” Matlon said.
According to environmental psychologist Lee Chambers, “studies have shown we can have a physiological response to being in natural environments, reducing our heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.”
“There can also be a level of psychological restoration, with the lowering of cortisol, improved concentration, and feeling a deeper sense of connection,” Chambers added.
As a result of these effects, participants in previous research studies have reported benefits including:
•lower stress levels
With busy schedules, it’s not always possible to devote hours to engaging in outdoor activities, especially for those who live in urban areas. So, how long should you immerse yourself in nature in order to receive the benefits?
While the researchers in this particular study didn’t explore this factor, other studies have offered suggestions.
“One of the first well-known environmental psychology studies by Roger Ulrich showed that even just having a view of nature from your hospital bed can shorten your recovery from surgery and influence the amount of pain you feel,” Matlon explained.
More recently, a 2019 study found that spending 120 minutes outside each week — which can be broken up into smaller blocks of time — was associated with better health and well-being. And another study from 2021 revealed that just 30 minutes of outdoor time could lower blood pressure by almost 10%.
Whether you’re in an urban space or surrounded by countryside, there are plenty of CESs that can lead to enhanced well-being.
“Nature is all around us, and if we can embrace what we access, we will find benefits closer to home than we might have expected,” Chambers said.
For instance, you could take up a new hobby or activity that allows you to spend more time outside, such as birdwatching, gardening, paddleboarding, or simply going for a run. If you’re in the city, you might take a long walk in a new neighborhood and engage in your surroundings.
Switching up your morning commute could also make a difference. “You will probably benefit even from just walking to work through a park or a quieter area with more trees,” Matlon said.
Stuck at a desk? Matlon suggested working with the design of the interiors where you spend your day. You might try:
•adding more indoor plants
We all know that spending time in nature can make us feel good, and a growing body of evidence helps us to understand why.
The University of Tokyo’s research enhances scientific knowledge and awareness of the relationship between the environment and well-being, which may have larger implications for public health.
According to Gasparatos, the researchers believe their findings “can have practical applications to inform policymakers and practitioners in ecosystem management discourse.” In fact, following their research, Gasparatos said the team received a grant to investigate the relationships between CESs and human well-being in Tokyo’s urban spaces.
Remember, there are many ways you can access nature and still receive the benefits, even if you live in a city. Going for a neighborhood walk, adding more plants to your home or office, and getting more sunlight can all help to stimulate a sense of connection to nature.
- Chantelle Pattemore
Mar 26, 2024 · Spending time in nature is known to have many benefits for health and wellbeing. Having access to natural spaces such as beaches, parks and woodlands is associated with reduced anxiety and depression, improved sleep, reduced levels of obesity and cardiovascular disease, and improved wellbeing.
Apr 1, 2020 · Spending time in nature can act as a balm for our busy brains. Both correlational and experimental research have shown that interacting with nature has cognitive benefits—a topic University of Chicago psychologist Marc Berman, PhD, and his student Kathryn Schertz explored in a 2019 review.
Apr 7, 2023 · Forgoing time in nature—or just time outside in general—is a missed opportunity to benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health, because spending time in Mother Nature can help relieve stress and anxiety; boost our immune system, creativity, and focus; and teach us to live more in the present. Here, we spoke with mental health ...
Time spent in nature can boost physical and mental well-being. January 2, 2024—Spending time outdoors in green spaces has been linked with myriad physical and mental health benefits, including lower mortality, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Heather Eliassen.
May 28, 2022 · According to a 2019 study that included data from 19,806 participants, spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week can significantly boost health and well-being. You can go for a 2-hour...
