Walking 20 minutes outdoors between nature reduces tension and promotes health

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – A 20-minute outdoor walk dramatically reduces stress and promotes well-being, according to a recent study by US researchers.

According to the British newspaper The Times, scientists have discovered that spending 20 to 30 minutes between nature can reduce cortisol levels by about 10%.

The new study found that after 30 minutes, welfare benefits continued but at a greatly reduced rate, the Times reported.

"Our study found that to effectively reduce the stress hormone levels of cortisol, you have to spend 20 to 30 minutes sitting or walking in a place conducive to nature," said Dr. Mary Carroll Hunter, of University of Michigan.

Hunter said that she did not have to go out in the wild, but getting out of the office building and sitting next to a tree might be enough.

The study, published in Frontiers, should entice physicians to describe anxious patients spending time in a green space, Hunter said.