It reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death and birth, stress and high blood pressure. There nature is as good for the body as it is for the soul, especially because it widens our perception of space and thus reduces our impulsiveness. But how much time spent in contact with green spaces is enough to make us feel all these benefits? From 120 minutes per weekanswer researchers from the University of Exeter (United Kingdom).
In a study published in the journal Nature on June 13, they believe that two hours a week of walks in the fresh air – whether in green spaces located in urban areas, in the woods, the countryside or the beach – are enough to feel better.
From 2 hours per week
To achieve these results, the scientists relied on the responses of nearly 20,000 Britons, participants in the “Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment” survey between 2014 and 2016. They had to provide information on their state of physical health and mental health, as well as the time spent in a natural environment during the previous week. The researchers eventually found that people who went green for less than two hours in seven days did not report better health. On the other hand, from 120 minutes (nearly 20 minutes a day), the participants noticed the difference.
“120 minutes of nature per week could represent a kind of ‘threshold’ below which contact with nature is insufficient to produce benefits in terms of health and well-being, but beyond which these benefits are felt”, explain the authors of the study. And the results apply to everyone: men and women, children and seniors, people suffering from illness or in good health… The time spent in contact with nature can also be continuous or divided. “Two hours a week is hopefully a realistic goal for many, especially since it can be spread over an entire week to take advantage”they summarize.
The starting point for recommendations
How can these positive effects of green spaces be explained? According to the researchers, the reasons are many. First, nature allows reduce stressand is associated with good times spent with friends or family. The time spent in contact with it is also an indirect marker ofphysical activity.
Further research will be needed “to understand the impact of the different activities carried out, as well as the effect of the quality of the environment and the personal significance of the natural place”, note the researchers. But their results are “an important starting point for formulating simple recommendations”. A previous study had already shown that five minutes a day is enough to boost your morale and feel positive effects.
Read also :
- Shinrin Yoku: how to enjoy his first “forest bath”
- Sylvotherapy or how trees heal us