Recent research published in the journal Ecopsychology suggests that spending just 10 minutes in nature can have a positive impact on adults with mental illness. This meta-analysis reviewed three decades of studies on the effects of nature exposure on mental, social, and physical health, including urban green spaces.
Studies have consistently shown that time spent in nature can reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function.
Joanna Bethelman, a professor at the University of Utah’s School of Social Work and the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of integrating nature into medical interventions for better health outcomes. The study reviewed 45 research papers involving 1,492 adults diagnosed with mental illnesses to provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers.
The time spent in and the nature of contact with natural environments varied across studies; some participants spent only 10 minutes in urban parks, while others had longer wilderness experiences. Despite the different modes of contact, all forms of nature interaction demonstrated positive effects.
The research highlighted that even brief exposures to urban natural environments can yield significant benefits for mental health, making it a more accessible option for individuals with limited time and resources.
The researchers found that aquatic environments such as rivers and lakes, as well as activities like camping, farming, and gardening, had the most pronounced positive effects on mental health. Urban green spaces, mountains, and forests also showed beneficial impacts.
Contact with nature showed short-term improvements in mental health symptoms among various patients diagnosed with mental illnesses, particularly notable benefits for those with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Given the high prevalence of mental illnesses worldwide, it is crucial to explore affordable and accessible mental health interventions outside of traditional medical settings. Incorporating nature-based activities as part of mental health support could be an economically viable and widely available option for promoting overall well-being.
