The sea, the meadows, the woods, the mountains and all the other natural scenarios have the power to make us feel better in a short time, both physically and mentally. But what is the perfect "dose" for this natural therapy? According to a study, it only takes 2 hours a week!
The sea, the meadows, the woods, the mountains and all the other natural scenarios have the power to make us feel better in a short time, both physically and mentally. But what is the perfect "dose" for this natural therapy? According to a study, it only takes 2 hours a week!
To say it a research team of the University of Exeter Medical School that has discovered something that we already knew: sitting and enjoying the peace that nature offers has benefits for our body but also for the mind. The novelty, however, lies in the fact that there would be a minimum time of stay to enjoy the benefits.
And in fact you don't need much of it: a two-hour "dose" of nature per week significantly increases health and well-being, and you don't even need to walk! This, in fact, is true even if you sit and contemplate the landscape or lie down in complete relaxation.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, is the first major research that not only evaluates the benefits of the so-called "ecotherapy"But also advises us on a possible timing for attending parks, woods, the sea, etc. enjoying the maximum benefits.
The result is based on information from a survey by Natural England, the largest study in the world that collects data on people's relationships with the natural world. The sample taken for the research is very large: it is about 20.000 British people of different ages, sexes and characteristics, interviewed about the activities carried out in the previous week.
It was thus noted that a quarter of those who spent little time (or not at all) in contact with nature reported having health problems and almost half declared that they were not satisfied with their life. On the contrary, only a seventh of those who spent at least two hours immersed in nature declared that their health was poor, while a third were not satisfied with their life.
But what surprised the researchers the most is that this is valid for everyone: young, old, rich, poor, citizens, rural population, etc. and even for those suffering from pathologies or disabilities. Furthermore, it didn't even matter that the two hours in nature were continuous, it was also perfectly fine to visit woods, parks, the sea, etc. in shorter visits reaching the minimum total of two hours during the week.
It therefore seems that, to our healthy lifestyle made up of 5 portions a day of fruit and vegetables, wholemeal nutrition, physical activity, etc. we must also add a couple of hours a week immersed in nature!
Read also:
- Living in contact with nature is good for the mind and body. Science confirms this
- Children who grow up in contact with nature will be healthy adults (even mentally)
- Orthotherapy: nature is a real cure (even against stress)
- Forest bathing, the secret therapy of trees
- Nature coaching: 5 practices to solve our most common daily problems
