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Feeling stressed? Take a 20-minute ‘nature pill,’ study says

Access to Nature Is Linked, to Improved Mental Health, Study Says.Visiting places like parks, forests and beaches has been associated with improved mental health in several studies.One such study was published in the journal 'Scientific Reports.'.According to PsyPost, researchers found that people who visited green spaces said they felt a greater sense of psychological well-being and less mental distress.It’s not going to surprise anyone, especially after the last 12 months, but spending time in natural settings is good for mental health, Mathew P. White, study author,University of Exeter Medical School, via PsyPost.The real importance of the study was in showing how large these effects were relative to other things we also know are important to mental health such as income, family relationships, long-standing illness, etc, Mathew P. White, study author,University of Exeter Medical School, via PsyPost.PsyPost reports that the findings accounted for factors such as age, education, income, relationship status and physical activity. I continue to worry whether these effects are still due to richer, healthier people being able to afford to live in nicer areas and have time to spend in nicer places, Mathew P. White, study author,University of Exeter Medical School, via PsyPost.Fortunately, other data suggestthat the benefits are actually most likely to occur for the poorest in society, Mathew P. White, study author,University of Exeter Medical School, via PsyPost.Perhaps we can reduce mental health inequalities through better urban planning and improved access to high quality green and blue spaces, Mathew P. White, study author,University of Exeter Medical School, via PsyPost
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Updated March 8, 2022

If you’re feeling stressed, spending some time in nature might help, according to one report.

Researchers from the University of Michigan conducted a study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, to determine the association between nature and stress hormone levels.

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For the assessment, they asked a group of adults to take “nature pills,” or to spend some time either sitting or walking in nature. They were required to spend 10 minutes or more in nature at least three times a week for an eight-month period.

Once every two weeks, the scientists measured the participants’ levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, using saliva samples taken before and after a nature pill.

"Participants were free to choose the time of day, duration, and the place of their nature experience, which was defined as anywhere outside that in the opinion of the participant, made them feel like they've interacted with nature," lead author MaryCarol Hunter explained in a statement. "There were a few constraints to minimize factors known to influence stress: take the nature pill in daylight, no aerobic exercise, and avoid the use of social media, internet, phone calls, conversations and reading."

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In addition to accommodating the subjects’ busy lifestyles, the team also factored in the natural drop in cortisol levels that can occur naturally throughout the day.

After analyzing the results, they found having a 20-minute nature experience reduced cortisol levels. In fact, those who spent 20 to 30 minutes sitting or walking outside had the greatest decrease of cortisol levels.

“Our study shows that for the greatest payoff, in terms of efficiently lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol, you should spend 20 to 30 minutes sitting or walking in a place that provides you with a sense of nature,” Hunter said.

The team said their findings provide the first estimates of how nature can affect our daily lives, and they hope health care providers take advantage of the evidence.

“Our experimental approach can be used as a tool to assess how age, gender, seasonality, physical ability and culture influences the effectiveness of nature experiences on well-being,” Hunter said. “This will allow customized nature pill prescriptions, as well as a deeper insight on how to design cities and wellbeing programs for the public.”

Want to learn more about the study? Take a look at the full report here.

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About the Author

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Najja Parker is a video and news correspondent for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture team. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.