Stressed in the city? This 15-minute habit can rewire your brain
Are you a city dweller? Well, then this simple habit could transform your brain for the better. By 2025, 70% of people are expected to start living in cities. Among the urbanites, mental health is a growing concern, with more and more people facing challenges such as anxiety and mood disorders.
A recent study has found a solution to this.
A new study by Stanford University's Natural Capital Project (NatCap) found that practising a certain habit for 15 minutes can significantly improve mental health. The findings are published in
Nature Cities
.
This 15-minute activity could improve mental health
According to the new study, spending even a little time in nature can significantly benefit a broad range of mental health conditions. The results of the study offer guidance to urban planners, policymakers, and others on how to use green space as a mental health solution.
Along with that, such spaces also lower temperatures and sequester carbon.
'We are working to translate the effect size we found through this analysis to more intuitive indicators that would be useful for decision-makers by way of a new mental health-focused InVEST model. For example, we could run scenarios like: if a city currently has 20% green space or tree cover, how many preventable cases of mental health disorders could be avoided if that were increased to 30%? We will also be working to include estimates of the potential avoided healthcare costs associated with such improvements in urban nature,' Yingjie Li, lead author and postdoctoral scholar at NatCap, said in a statement.
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The InVEST, NatCap's flagship mapping and modeling tools, are already being used to map and quantify ecosystem services across the globe.
'Previous studies have documented strong links between contact with nature and mental health. But with most studies, you either can't infer a causal link, they can't be easily generalized, or they aren't designed to distinguish the effects of different types of nature. This analysis helps fill that gap,' Anne Guerry, senior author and chief strategy officer and lead scientist at NatCap, said.
The study
The researchers analyzed data from nearly 5,900 people across 78 experiments and found that spending time in urban nature improves mental health. While all types of urban nature were beneficial, they found that urban forests were especially effective in reducing depression and anxiety. Young adults were the ones who benefited the most. This was crucial because most mental health issues start before age 25. Interestingly, just sitting in nature reduced depression more than being active.
These benefits were stronger in Asian countries, possibly due to cultural ties to nature.
The researchers also
stressed
that while larger city parks and forests are critical, it is also important to create smaller 'pocket parks' and additional street trees to increase access throughout cities. Li expressed that, at a personal level, this study improved his lifestyle. He started walking to the office more frequently and became more curious about the birds and plants he encountered along the way. 'I also talk to my friends about thinking this way and encourage them to notice how even small moments with nature can make a difference.
This work has helped me see that urban nature isn't just good for cities – it's good for us.' Li said.
'Kahin Bada, Kahin Chhota': Ravi Kishan Uses Samosa Analogy To Demand Regulation Of Food Prices
So if you are feeling a little under the weather today, maybe spend 15 minutes in nature, and see how it works out.
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