Scientific research supports advice of conservation groups and nature enthusiasts: spending time in nature is good for us
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology has found that spending time in nature boosts the functioning of the body’s immune system, which leads to improved health outcomes.
University of Illinois environment and behavior researcher Ming Kuo reviewed past research on nature and health and found 21 pathways linking spending time in nature with good health. For example, natural environments contain chemical and biological agents with positive health implications, as well as sights and sounds that have beneficial physiological impacts.
Kuo’s research found value not just in wild nature, but in everyday nature, and the interaction doesn’t need to involve physical activity. Landscaping that includes trees, plants, running water, and wildlife is important for relaxation and mental health benefits.
“The realization that there are so many pathways helps explain not only how nature promotes health, but also why nature has such huge, broad effects on health,” says Kuo.
“Nature doesn’t just have one or two active ingredients. It’s more like a multivitamin that provides us with all sorts of the nutrients we need. That’s how nature can protect us from all these different kinds of diseases–cardiovascular, respiratory, mental health, musculoskeletal.”
Time in nature also has a positive impact for older people. Researchers in a University of Minnesota study published in the journal Health and Place found that 65-86 year olds in Vancouver, Canada, benefited from time in nature close to home.
“Accessibility to everyday green and blue spaces encourages seniors to simply get out the door. This in turn motivates them to be active physically, spiritually and socially, which can offset chronic illness, disability and isolation,” says Jessica Finlay, lead author of the study.
The World Health Organisation expects depression will be the second biggest cause of illness worldwide by 2020, and anti-depressant drug use is on the increase.
According to the UK’s Mental Health Foundation, in the course of a year, 25% of people will experience some kind of mental health problem, including 20% of children. Depression affects 20% of older people living in the community and 40% in care homes.
In 2014, 57 million items categorised as anti-depressant drugs were dispensed, an increase of 7.2% on 2013 and 97.1% since 2004, according to the Prescriptions Dispensed in the Community report for England (2004-2014). Anti-depressant drugs come with side-effects, unlike green prescriptions for lifestyle changes.
The Wildlife Trusts is a conservation organisation of 47 regional trusts around the UK that work to protect Britain’s wild spaces. The group promotes the value of time in nature to human wellbeing, and the importance of considering alternative or additional treatments in mental health care.
Commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts, the University of Essex conducted research into the link between human health and wellbeing and found that time in nature increases immunity; improves mood, self esteem, concentration, social contact, and physical health, and reduces anxiety and stress.
Green prescriptions that recommend time in nature offer a mental health treatment free from side-effects, and one that encourages lifestyle changes that can have long term benefits for wellbeing and happiness.
Read the full article at Nature in Mind
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Esplanade Pond by David Brighten
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