Spending at least two hours a week in the wild would be the threshold for maintaining one’s health and well-being, scientists say after analyzing data from a survey of 20,000 Britons.
According to Dr. Mat White and colleagues at the University of Exeter School of Medicine, people who spend at least 120 minutes a week in the wild are much more likely to report themselves in good physical and psychological health than those who do not spend time outdoors.
It is well known that going outdoors in the wild can be good for the health and well-being of people, but so far we have not been able to say how much is enough.
Dr. Mat White
These natural environments include, among others, woodlands, rural and urban parks, and beaches.
Dr. White’s team found that the benefits are observable, regardless of whether the 120 minutes are reached in a single visit or during several shorter visits.
Spending two hours a week is a realistic goal for many people, especially since they can be spread over
a whole week to benefit.
Dr. Mat White
This team found no benefit for those visiting these settings for less than 120 minutes per week.
The positive effects have been seen both for men and women, for older and younger adults, for different social and ethnic groups, and for those who live in rich and poor regions, and even for those suffering from diseases or diseases. long-term disability.
“The majority of the natural sites included in this work are within a three-kilometer radius of participants’ homes, so even visiting neighboring urban green spaces seems like a good thing,” says Dr. White.
Spending time in nature can provide a perspective on life events, reduce stress and spend quality time with friends and family.
Terry Hartig from Uppsala University
According to the authors of this work published in the journal Scientific Reports, this new knowledge could lead health professionals to recommend more to their patients to spend time in the wild for their well-being.
