You’ve likely heard that spending time in nature can be a massive boon for your mental health. In fact, previous studies have shown that just 20 minutes out in natural surroundings can significantly reduce stress and lift your mood. But is it the scenery doing the heavy lifting? Or are you simply benefitting from taking a break and getting your body moving?
According to new research, all signs point to the former. (Although a little bit of physical exertion has time and time again been shown to be a proven mood booster). As part of a study conducted by North Carolina State University Researchers, it was revealed that natural environments could be the emotional antidote you’ve been searching for, especially if you spend most of your hours in noisy urban settings.
Can the Sounds of Nature Lift Your Mood?
In their study, researchers tasked participants with either sitting on a nature trail isolated from the urban sprawl or in a typical city setting. Participants wore noise-cancelling headphones that would play either birdsong or traffic sounds. The location and soundtrack were randomised to help the researchers determine the impact of both sights and sounds.
Participants reported their experiences, noting any changes in their stress levels and how rejuvenated they felt after the test. According to researchers, those who spent their time in natural surroundings listening to birdsong reported improved moods, lower stress levels and were more likely to have perceptions of feeling restored.
The group stuck in an urban setting listening to the ‘traffic’ soundtrack experienced in the complete opposite. Bottom line: the combination of natural sights and sounds was the most effective mood booster, while a mix of the urban and great outdoors yielded mixed reactions.
How Else Can Nature Benefit Your Health?
Spending time outdoors isn’t just a proven mood booster; there are plenty of other benefits to legging it out of the city. Here are a few more ways your health could benefit from some R&R in the great outdoors:
1. You’ll Sleep Better
Regular exposure to natural light (especially in the first few hours after you wake up) can help regulate your circadian rhythm. Put simply, this rhythm is like your body’s natural 24-hour cycle. When you sync up this internal timekeeper naturally with the day and night cycle, you’ll typically reap the rewards in the form of better sleep quality and how alert you feel throughout the day.
2. You’ll (Probably) Exercise More
Research has shown that exercise outside can improve your chances of sticking to a workout routine. Not only do your so-called ‘green workouts’ help reduce stress, but the environment tends to be less monotonous, keeping you more engaged in your chosen physical activity.
3. You’ll Have a Stronger Immune System
When you go outside, you’re exposed to vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in keeping your bones strong and your immune system at full strength. Low levels of this vitamin are commonly linked to a higher risk of viral infection.
