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One study found that a 20-minute walk in a park could dramatically reduce a person's cortisol levels. Scientists hope the results will allow health practitioners to start prescribing the so-called "pills for nature". ( Albrecht Fietz | pixabay )
A new study found that staying in touch with nature for at least 20 minutes a day could do wonders for mental health.
According to scientists, sitting or walking around a park can significantly reduce a person 's stress hormone level. They hope the study will encourage health practitioners to prescribe "pills for nature" to relieve stress.
Daily Nature Dose
The study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology discussed an experiment involving 36 people living in the city, who spent at least three times a week at least three times a week around nature. The participants did it for two months.
Participants had the freedom to choose when and where they want to take a "pill for nature" and for how long. By allowing personal flexibility in the experiment, researchers were able to identify the optimal duration of a "pill for nature".
To measure the effect of the "pill for nature" on participants, scientists took saliva samples every two weeks to measure cortisol levels.
They found that spending 20 minutes in a place where participants felt connected to nature, such as a park or forested mountain, significantly reduced cortisol levels. Those who spent up to 30 minutes outside found a greater drop in stress hormones.
After 30 minutes, however, the benefits of the "pill for nature" become less important.
Participants were also prevented from engaging in stimulating activities such as exercising, reading or using electronic devices such as smartphones when they are in distress.
Take a pill for nature a day to keep stress at bay
Several studies have shown that rubbing shoulders with nature is an effective way to reduce stress. However, this is the first time a study has identified the time it takes to go outside to reap the benefits of the outdoors.
According to the researchers, the purpose of the study is to provide enough evidence and convince health professionals to include the "pill for nature" in the treatment.
"It provides the first estimates of the impact of nature's experiences on stress levels in the context of normal daily living," said Mary Carol Hunter, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan and author main of the study. "It breaks new ground by addressing some of the challenges of measuring an effective dose in nature."
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