Latest news with #YingjieLi
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.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Spending time outside can slash anxiety if you live in the right place
Scientists have pinpointed the exact amount of time someone needs to spend outdoors to slash the risk of depression. 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 [taking one's life] ideations. Physical symptoms include changes in appetite, constipation, lack of energy, low [sexual intercourse] 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.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
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
Scientists have pinpointed the exact amount of time someone needs to spend outdoors to slash the risk of depression. 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.
