Science Proves Nature Inspires
We all know that spending time in nature can be nourishing, and now there is new research to back it up!
The research team at Griffith University in 2022 has conducted an extensive study on how walking in nature improves our wellbeing. Gathering data of the mental health and productivity from almost 20,000 participants who walked in the temperate forests of Victoria and the tropical forests in Queensland, reveals that frequent visits to national parks and reserves can significantly boost productivity to an amazing 11%.
This productivity increase is attributed to the fact that walking and being in nature improves our overall wellbeing by up to 17%. With improved well-being, there are reduced health care costs.
How does being in nature impact on our well-being?
Nature underpins human existence, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Physically, nature provides us with air to breathe, water and food, along with resources for our shelter, clothing, medicine and transportation. We can’t exist without it and our bodies function best when we are in harmony with the natural world.
Nature also has a unique way of evoking emotions in us. When we feel safe, listening to the sounds of running water and bird songs, we reduce our stress and feel at peace. When we smell airborne terpenoids, the natural scents of the bush, the soil, pine, eucalyptus or lemon scented gums, wattles and flowers , our mood is positively impacted. We feel more grounded, centred and at peace with nature’s calming affect on our nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
When we wonder at nature’s awe-inspiring scenery like sunsets, far vistas, the ocean, it lifts our spirit. We feel a renewed zest. When we pause to connect with animals, to be delighted to find a koala in a tree, smile when we hear a kookaburra laugh, feel privileged to glimpse a platypus swimming, we feel powerful emotions of connectedness.
What is the impact on productivity with the spending time in nature?
Nationwide, our national parks provide a productivity gain of 1.8%, that is $A35 billion per year and reduce healthcare costs by 0.6%, which is A$12.3 billion annually.
Access to nature in national parks is one of the few free mental health boosts available to people from all walks of life. Approximately 70% of Australians visit a national park at least once a year.
Interestingly, the study also found that the therapeutic effects of nature are 2.5 times greater for mentally unhealthy visitors than for mentally healthy ones.
In summary
The overall message of this research is that visiting protected areas for at least 2.5 hours per month, provides superior mental health benefits, with factors like naturalness, biodiversity, sensory experiences, and emotional connections playing a crucial role in enhancing these effects.
Interestingly in our vodcast with Alienor Chauvenet one of the researchers, reveals that just 10 minutes being in a garden or park can have mood enhancing and productivity boosting effects.
So, embrace the power of nature for a healthier and more productive life!
To read more on Alienor’s research click here.
Special thanks to Cathy Quirk for the feature image.
