2 hours in nature every week to get better

Two hours of nature a week. This may soon appear on your doctor’s prescription. This is already the case in Canada. Because nature has the incredible power to do good to us! and the Drexel University researchers (US) confirms again today. According to them, people in relation to nature have diet Healthier and « greener » – meaning made with more fruits and vegetables – than others.

The researchers note that their findings stand out light How restoring a relationship with nature can bring people back to a more balanced diet. So they recommend integration More green space for urban landscape. But also to bring nature into the classroom. And even start describing outings to the greats air – Or at least in the parks.

Food and mental health

But they also know that things can be more complicated than that. The Benefits that can be derived from nature It can also depend on culture, history, and socio-economic factors that connect societies to nature on the one hand and food on the other.

Meanwhile, other researchers, from Boston University School of Public Health (US), providing new evidence that the presence of green space in residential areas improves cognitive functions. The Speed Information processing and attention. Greenery also reduces the risk of depression. It’s all improved Mental health population. Even when they start to get old. So what are we still waiting for to go green for good?

Ten minutes in nature to reduce student stress

subject to forces pressure During their college studies, young students oscillate between stress, anxiety, and sometimes depression. A meta-analysis demonstrated the benefits of the natural environment on the stressors of young people aged 15-30, whether it was a forest or flower pots. Balcony or a public park. She was even able to determine an effective treatment « dose ».

Futura article with Agence France-Presse-Relax News published on 02/28/2020

US researchers have shown that spending just ten minutes in nature can relieve stress and anxiety experienced by young people between the ages of 15 and 30. For this new research, a team of Cornell University He reviewed 14 previous studies that looked at the effects of time spent in nature on 15-30-year-olds. These studies were conducted in Japan, Sweden and the United States. They recorded the times of « treatment » (the number of hours and minutes spent in nature) and changes in Psychological comfort and mental health before and after these outdoor sessions. They also rated the participants’ mental well-being based on the time they spent in urban environment or normal.

Their results, reported in the review frontiers in psychologyshowed that spending between 10 and 50 minutes in a natural environment seemed to improve mood, Concentration from the students and physiological signs of stress such as blood pressure and heart rate.  » The benefits don’t take long – we’re talking 10 minutes in a natural spaceAuthor General Meredith commented. We firmly believe that every student, regardless of their major or workload, has such a Duration At his disposal every day, or at least several times a week. »

Positive effect in ten minutes

Regarding the 50-minute limit to enjoy the benefits of time spent in nature, co-author Donald Rakow explained that “ There is no turning back after 50 minutes, there are benefits physiological Reported psychiatric and psychiatric effects tend to stabilize after this period. »

The researchers also found that the students They can simply sit or walk in a natural environment to have a positive effect on their health.  » We wanted to make this access to nature as simple and achievable as possible.Professor Rakow notes. Although there have been many studies of programs where more time is spent outdoors, we wanted to set doses in minutes, not days. But Professor Meredith adds that It is an opportunity to question our concept of nature. It really surrounds us: the treesflowers, a patch of grass or a wooded area. »

The team says their findings show that spending time in nature can be prescribed as a form of treatment for prevention or treatment Improves Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems that students experience. Rather, a new meta-analysis suggests the treatment « dose » needed to produce an effect.

 » Prescribing a dose can legitimize a doctor’s recommendations and set a tangible goalProfessor Meredith adds. It’s different than just saying: « Get out! » There is something specific that a student can strive for. »

To reduce stress, spend at least 20 minutes a day in nature!

Article from Marie Celine RayPosted on April 8, 2019

A study from the University of Michigan found that a 20-minute session in contact with nature effectively lowered levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. It may suffice to take a walk or spend a little time sitting contemplating the vegetation in an urban garden. This is an inexpensive way to reduce daily stress.

This study was published in frontiers in psychology It may inspire healthcare professionals dealing with stressed patients. at communicationMary Carol Hunter, lead author of this article, explained it. « We know that spending time in nature reduces stress, but until now it has not been clear how much, how often, or even what kind of nature experience will benefit us. »

To answer these questions, the researchers recruited 36 people who lived in the city. Over eight weeks, participants had to spend time in nature, at least ten minutes, three times a week, or more. Cortisol levels – a hormone Stress It was measured in a saliva sample.

Significant decrease in cortisol levels

The researcher points out that “Participants were free to choose the time of day, duration, and place From their experience in nature. However, the authors have imposed some limitations on them: spending this entire time temper nature Today, without exercise at the same time and avoid using smart phone During this special moment.

The results showed that only 20 minutes is enough to reduce cortisol levels. It doesn’t matter if he walks or sits and thinks about nature. The most effective dose appears to be between 20 and 30 minutes in nature because this duration effectively lowers cortisol levels. Beyond that there was also earnings But growth is slower.