While numerous studies have indicated that spending time in nature reduces stress, enhances cognitive function, and improves mood, a 30-year study published in the journal Ecopsychology suggests that spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can provide short-term benefits for adults with mental illness.
The meta-analysis of 45 studies, which included 1,492 adult participants with diagnosed mental illnesses. Some studies involved structured therapeutic interventions, while others involved nature experiences alone.
The duration of nature exposure varied among studies. Some participants spent as little as 10 minutes in a city park, while others experienced multiple days in wilderness settings. Some studies used interval exposure to nature, with shorter periods several times a week or month, while others used longer continuous exposures. Despite these differences, all durations and patterns of nature exposure produced positive results.
The analysis found that water-based outdoor spaces—such as rivers, lakes, and oceans—and activities like camping, farming, and gardening had the greatest positive effects. Urban nature, mountains, and forests also offered significant benefits.
Don’t necessarily have immediate access to mountains, forest, or oceans? “Ten minutes in urban nature is far less intimidating, expensive, and time-consuming for people who do not have the time, resources, interest, community support or equipment to venture into the wilderness for days or weeks,” wrote the authors.
In terms of applying the results to urban planning and policy making, “all of these different types of outdoor spaces delivered positive results, which underscores the importance of preserving green spaces in our natural and built environments,” said author, Joanna Bettmann.
The important of green spaces and natural environment cannot be understated and must be preserved at all costs for their many benefits, including mental health as highlighted in this study.
JE Bettmann et al. Nature Exposure, Even as Little as 10 Minutes, is Likely to Yield Short-Term Benefits for Adults with Mental Illness: A Meta Analysis. Ecopsychology (2024).
https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2023.006
