Latest news with #NatCap
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Stressed in the city? This 15-minute habit can rewire your brain
A recent Stanford University study reveals that spending just 15 minutes in urban nature can significantly improve mental health, particularly for young adults. The research, analyzing data from nearly 5,900 people, found urban forests especially effective in reducing depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest creating accessible green spaces like pocket parks and street trees. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why is everyone rushing to get their hands on this new air cooler? News of the Discovery Undo 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.
New York Post
03-08-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Live in a city? Just 15 minutes of this a day can ‘significantly' boost your mental health
Just dew it! Spending time outdoors has long been shown to enhance physical and mental well-being by encouraging exercise, fostering social interaction, reducing stress and anxiety, elevating mood, improving focus and even promoting better sleep. Exposure to daylight — especially in the morning — helps synchronize our internal clocks, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning. Advertisement 3 Urbanites can benefit from just 15 minutes in nature, a new study finds. asife – Basking in the sun also helps the body produce vitamin D, a nutrient essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system and positive mental health. Now, new research from Stanford and Leiden University in the Netherlands reports that city dwellers can benefit from just 15 minutes in nature. 'Previous studies have documented strong links between contact with nature and mental health,' said senior study author Anne Guerry, chief strategy officer and lead scientist at Stanford's Natural Capital Project (NatCap). Advertisement '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,' she continued. 'This analysis helps fill that gap.' Guerry's team crunched data from 78 field-based studies involving nearly 5,900 participants. 3 This graphic from the research shows where the studies were conducted and how nature improved mental health. Nature Cities Advertisement They determined that all types of urban nature uplifted spirits — urban forests were especially helpful for easing depression and anxiety. 'Our analysis suggests that urban forests and parks have a more significant impact on mental health (i.e. reducing negative aspects and enhancing positive ones) than street trees or grassy areas,' Guerry told The Post. 'That is not to say that street trees have no effect!' she added. 'In fact, our analysis shows that street trees have a significant effect on all measured aspects of mental health.' Advertisement For its part, NYC is home to over 7 million trees for its 8.48 million residents. The goal is to increase the city's canopy cover from 22% to 30% by 2035. When the city's Urban Forest Plan officially launched last year, Mayor Eric Adams noted that trees freshen the air, cool neighborhoods, beautify streets and parks, soak up stormwater and even boost mental health. 3 You don't have to exercise to get a boost from being outside. Simply relaxing in green spaces elevates energy and alertness. simona – The Stanford research suggests that just being outside is good enough for a pick-me-up — no exercise equipment needed. Simply relaxing in green spaces heightens energy and alertness. 'Our results show that even brief contact (less than 15 minutes) with nature can provide significant mental benefits,' Leiden researcher Roy Remme said. 'What's more, longer nature exposure (more than 45 minutes) is linked to even greater reductions in stress and boosts in vitality.' Young adults seemed to reap the most benefits, with the study authors pointing out that many mental health conditions develop before the age of 25. Advertisement The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Nature Cities. The researchers emphasized that you don't need major parks to get the job done. They encouraged city planners and policymakers to explore adding smaller 'pocket parks,' more street trees and greenery, nature-filled spots and guided park meditations. Advertisement Luckily, as of December, 84% of New Yorkers live within walking distance of a park, according to NYC Parks. The target is 85% by 2030. 'Even small moments with nature can make a difference,' said lead study author Yingjie Li, a postdoctoral scholar at NatCap. 'This work has helped me see that urban nature isn't just good for cities — it's good for us.'
