Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing

Recent research continues to reinforce that spending time in nature is beneficial. A report from the UK found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. The study, conducted by lead researcher Dr Matthew White from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, studied over 19,000 peoples time in nature, with their health and wellbeing. Time in nature was quantified in 60-minute blocks controlling for residential greenspace and other neighbourhood and individual factors. The researchers found that compared to no nature exposure contact, exposure of ≥120 mins in nature was associated with a 59% increased likelihood of reporting good health and 23% higher well-being. It seems that positive associations peaked between 200–300 mins per week exposure and interestingly it did not matter how 120 mins of contact a week was achieved (e.g. one long vs. several shorter visits/week).

In conclusion, this study highlights the benefits of nature exposure and adds to an evolving body of literature demonstrating the potential benefits of green space exposure during both exercise and non-exercise.

Article citation White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019) doi:10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

If you want to read more in about the benefits of spending time in nature, you can review the research papers listed in the MatchFit Science section of the Strive:Stronger Research Institute listed under NATURE.