Walking for just 15 minutes a day can help reduce symptoms of debilitating illness that hits one in six adults - and is on the rise
Experts found that spending just 15 minutes a day in nature was linked to better mental health, reducing levels of anxiety, depression and fatigue in research that examined nearly 450 separate studies.
However, intriguingly, the much-touted goal of exercising outdoors might be redundant, at least when it comes to boosting mental health, according to the analysis.
For the review headed by experts at Stanford University found that simply relaxing outside for 15 minutes was more effective in boosting mood than active time in nature.
Lead author Professor Yingjie Li said: 'Our findings confirm that even brief nature exposure yields substantial mental health benefits, supporting evidence that momentary interactions can reduce anxiety, improve mood and boost cognitive function.'
The researchers found that being outside for over 45 minutes a day provided even greater reductions in stress and boosts in vitality.
Scientific studies have long found spending time in the countryside has a positive impact on a broad range of mental health conditions and some studies even claim it can boost heart health.
But, in the first study of its kind to distinguish the effect of different types of nature, the researchers suggested that even small city parks and forests could significantly reduce depression and anxiety.
They found that young adults experienced even greater benefits than the general population—which they highlighted as an important finding given that most mental health disorders develop before the age of 25.
Latest figures show that the number of people seeking help for mental illness has surged by two fifths since before the pandemic, reaching almost 4 million.
Experts estimate that at least one in six adults will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.
Whilst symptoms can vary widely, according to the NHS continuous low mood, low self-esteem and no longer getting enjoyment out of life could all be signs of depression.
Some sufferers may also experience debilitating anxiety and suicidal ideations.
Physical symptoms include changes in appetite, constipation, lack of energy, low sex drive and disturbed sleep.
Meanwhile, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show almost a quarter of children in England now have a probable mental disorder.
According to the current study, the number of people living in cities is expected to rise to 70 per cent by 2050, making mental health a global concern as researchers urge policy makers to implement more green spaces going forward.
The researchers concluded that even creating smaller 'pocket parks' and planting more trees along street could be a good starting point in battling the ongoing mental health crisis.
They said: ' Our findings show that integrating brief nature exposure into daily routines can be an effective intervention.'
Officials believe that the rise in anxiety and depression could be being driven by a greater awareness of mental health problems as well as the cost of living crisis which sees many youngsters struggling to get jobs.
The number of 18 to 24-year-olds who are 'economically inactive' due to health issues has more than doubled in the past decade.
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