The simple activity that reduces depression and blood pressure

Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Did you know that spending just 30 minutes a week in a park can significantly boost your mental health and lower your blood pressure?

Australian researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that frequent visits to green spaces are linked to better mental and physical health.

How the study was conducted

The study, conducted in Brisbane, surveyed 1,538 residents and found a direct correlation between time spent in nature and reduced levels of depression and high blood pressure.

The Research Findings

Dr. Danielle Shanahan, the study's lead author, highlighted the profound impact of nature on mental health:

“If everyone visited their local parks for half an hour each week, there would be seven percent fewer cases of depression and nine percent fewer cases of high blood pressure. Given that the societal costs of depression alone in Australia are estimated at $A12.6 billion a year, savings to public health budgets across all health outcomes could be immense.”

The study emphasizes that the longer people spend in parks, the lower their chances of suffering from depression and high blood pressure. It agrees with a recent German study as well.

How Much Time Do We Need in Nature?

Dr. Richard Fuller, another co-author of the study, provided further insights:

“We’ve known for a long time that visiting parks is good for our health, but we are now beginning to establish exactly how much time we need to spend in parks to gain these benefits. We have specific evidence that we need regular visits of at least half an hour to ensure we get these benefits.”

Encouraging More Green Time

Dr. Shanahan also posed an essential question:

“So how can we encourage people to spend more time in green space? We need more support and encouragement of community activities in natural spaces. Our children especially benefit from spending more time outdoors. Kids who grow up experiencing natural environments may benefit developmentally and have a heightened environmental awareness as adults than those who don’t.”

The Global Perspective: Forest Bathing and Nature Walks

Recent studies from around the world have echoed these findings. In Japan, the practice of "shinrin-yoku," or forest bathing, has been widely recognized for its health benefits.

A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that forest bathing significantly reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and lowered blood pressure and heart rate.

Similarly, a 2019 study in Nature highlighted that people who spent at least two hours a week in nature reported better health and well-being than those who did not regularly visit natural environments. This suggests that the benefits of spending time in green spaces are universal and easily accessible.

Final thoughts

The evidence is clear: spending time in nature is a simple yet powerful way to improve mental and physical health. Whether it's a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or a relaxing session of forest bathing, integrating green time into our weekly routines can lead to significant health benefits.

So next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, consider taking a break in your local park. Your mind and body will thank you!

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

RESEARCH:

Shanahan, D. F., Bush, R., Gaston, K. J., Lin, B. B., Dean, J., Barber, E., & Fuller, R. A. (2016). Health Benefits from Nature Experiences Depend on Dose. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep28551