Are you a resident of the city? Well, then this simple habit can convert your brain to the better. By 2025, 70% of people are expected to start living in cities. Among the urbanitis, mental health is increasingly concerned, and more and more people are faced with problems such as anxiety and mood disturbances. A recent study found a solution for this. A new Stanford University’s Natural Capital Study (NATCAP) has shown that the exercise of a certain habit for 15 minutes could significantly improve mental health. The conclusions are published in the nature of cities. This 15-minute activity can improve mental health
According to the new study, spending even little time in nature can significantly benefit a wide range of mental health conditions. The results of the study offer recommendations to urban planners, politicians and more on how to use green space as a solution of mental health. Along with this, such spaces also reduce the temperature and sequestration of carbon.“We are working on translating the size of the effect we found through this analysis to more intuitive indicators that would be useful for those who make decisions through a new investment -oriented health. Nature, ” – said in Ingzh Lee, a leading author and a doctoral studies in Natcap. Investment, flagship mapping and NATCAP instruments are already used to display and quantify ecosystem services worldwide. “Previous studies have recorded strong links between contacts with nature and mental health. But with most studies, you either cannot conclude about the cause – they may not be easily generalized or they are not designed to distinguish the consequences of different types of nature. This analysis helps to fill in this gap,” said En Vira Natcap. Exploration
The researchers analyzed the data of almost 5,900 people in 78 experiments and found that spending time in urban nature improves mental health. Although all types of urban nature were useful, they found that urban forests were especially effective for reducing depression and anxiety. The young people were the ones who used the most. This was crucial because most mental health problems begin up to 25 years. Interestingly, just the seat in nature reduced depression more than activity. These advantages were stronger in Asian countries, perhaps with cultural ties with nature.
Researchers also emphasized that while large city parks and forests are crucial, it is also important to create smaller “pocket parks” and additional street trees to increase access in all cities. Lee expressed that at the personal level, this study improved his lifestyle. He began to go to the office more often and became more interesting about the birds and plants he encountered on the way. “I also talk to my friends about thinking in this way and calling them to notice how even little moments with nature can change the situation. This work helped me to see that urban nature is not just useful for cities – it’s good for us. ” – said Lee.
So when you feel a little under the weather today, you may spend 15 minutes outdoors and see how it works.
