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According to new research, seeing the lawns and trees in your home can help combat addiction to junk food, cigarettes and alcohol.
According to scientists at the forefront of a new study, investing in urban green spaces could help combat addictions to fast food, tobacco and alcohol.
Research has shown that even more reduced exposure to nature – such as on a green space – can improve health, even if one does not discover the natural world more directly through walking, the jogging or cycling.
Psychologist Leanne Martin, from the University of Plymouth, said the health benefits of a closer connection with nature were already well established – the new research now shows how it can also combat addiction.
"It's been known for some time that nature is related to the well-being of a person," Ms. Martin said.
"But a similar association with the desire to simply see green spaces adds a new dimension to previous research," she added.
The results were based on 149 people who responded to an online survey of their neighborhood.
Among the participants, those having access to a garden or a plot showed unhealthy cravings less frequent and less strong.
Residential views where more than 25% were green spaces generated similar responses.
During the study, participants were also asked about the amount of physical activity undertaken during the same period.
This suggested that exercise levels were not relevant in reducing the consumption of junk food, tobacco and beverages.
The groundbreaking findings build on previous research suggesting that a brisk walk or a bike ride in the park keeps people away from a poor diet.
The new study showed that the same could be true if you only saw birds, bees and foliage through the window.
This is in addition to evidence showing the need to protect green spaces and to create new ones in cities and towns. This will maximize the potential benefits to public health.
The study was published in the journal Health and Place and is the first to examine the link between exposure to natural environments and the compelling need for a range of addictive substances.
Ms. Martin, who was leading it as part of her master's degree, said, "This is the first to explore this idea, which could have many implications for future public health and environmental protection programs. ".
Earlier this year, a study found that more than 2.5 million Britons lived more than 10 minutes walk from the park or the nearest green space.
The Green Space Index charity by Fields in Trust has calculated that the average amount of green space per person is less than half of a six-meter playing field on a football field.
A growing body of research is linking parks and green spaces to better mental and physical health.
They have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases and dementia.
Professor Sabine Pahl, also co-author of the Plymouth School of Psychology, added: "Craving contributes to a variety of health-damaging behaviors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating. ..
"Showing a weak desire is linked to greater exposure to green spaces is a promising first step."
The researchers also suggest that the cause of the association between beautiful views and less cravings should be studied in more detail.
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