Experts say you should spend 20 hours in nature a week to be more productive
We've long known that getting out in nature is good for our health, but new research has further compounded that belief, with stats revealing that people who spend more time outside are healthier, more energetic, and more productive.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed those spending 20 hours or more per week in a green or natural space were 41% more productive on an average day than those spending less than 30 minutes a week outside.
The study was commissioned by the Greener Communities Fund, a partnership between Hubbub, NHS Charities Together and Starbucks.
It follows a 2022 study by charity, The National Academy for Social Prescribing, which found spending time in nature can benefit long term health and wellbeing.
While 2020 research by Public Health England found it can even help reduce the pressure on the NHS.
As well as helping us stay on top of our to-do list three quarters of adults claim time the natural world gives them a boost of happiness that keeps them going all day.
And this joy hit is a feeling experienced by 92% of those spending the most time outside, while 79% said it also makes them feel healthier and more energetic.
A clearer mind (44%), sleeping more soundly (28%) and feeling less stressed (38%) are among the other top health benefits people reported from getting outdoors, while 70% reported feeling better physically and mentally.
On the flip side, those spending more time than they would like indoors report feeling sluggish (37%), tired (25%) and isolated (16%).
Commenting on the findings Louise McCathie, director of fundraising at NHS Charities Together, said: "People not only feel better when they visit outside spaces, they work and play better too.
"As well as helping us connect with the natural world, outdoor experiences provide a much-needed chance to decompress and can make a huge difference to our overall health."
"The Greener Communities Fund is a new, multi-million pound fund, helping local NHS charities to create more green spaces across the UK - and improve the nation's health in the process.
"By establishing new community spaces and increasing access to nature, we’re hoping to boost the wellbeing of the UK public, while helping our environment and the NHS at the same time."
Why is nature so good for our health?
Dr Audrey Tang, chartered psychologist and author of The Leader’s Guide to Resilience says getting outside has huge benefits for our health, both physical and mental.
"The fresh air helps clear our lungs, but also the sunlight naturally stimulates the production of vitamin D which also assists our immune systems," she explains.
"Exercising in the sun can help produce endorphins, our body’s natural pain relievers, as well as serotonin which helps regulates our sleep and appetite and also dopamine, the 'feel good' neurotransmitter.
"Not only that but if you’re going out there with friends, you’re likely to also be producing oxytocin – the bonding hormone giving you the feeling of the warm and fuzzies."
According to Dr Tang research has long espoused the benefits of nature.
"In Sweden, patients in a hospital bed facing an outdoor window with a tree visible showed better recovery rates compared with those who did not; in Japan 'Forest Bathing' – especially capitalising on the healing and regenerating properties of pine – is GP recommended, and Stamford University, amongst others, has found that getting outside regularly reduces symptoms of stress and depression," she explains.
"But it is not new! The outdoors has always been there, but perhaps, like many things at the moment, we are finally starting to appreciate it a lot more."
Tips on how to spend time in nature
Dr Tang has provided some tips for spending time in the natural world.
1. Go with friends
Being outdoors triggers a release of endorphins, but if you're having a giggle with friends, you'll elicit the bonding hormone (oxytocin) too.
2. Animal interaction
It's not only human hugs and affection that generates oxytocin, but being around, or stroking animals can stimulate its production in us...and benefit them, too. (With wild animals, just be careful, of course!)
3. Try meditation or deep breathing
This produces GABA, an inhibitory molecule which generates a sense of calm, and if you combine that with nature and sunlight, you'll get the extra boost of serotonin as well. Whilst walking take a moment to breathe deeply – in through the nose, and out through the mouth.
4. Test out something new
The brain responds well to novelty. On a bright day, go for a walk, taking a new path. Enjoy the new experiences such as the sensation of the sun, the breeze, the new smells or sounds, and see who you meet on your adventure.
5. Get into gardening
If you can't get out into the wild, gardening can be a great way to teach both dexterity and patience as you create and nurture your greenery. What's more, what you plant can be another form of self-expression and creativity.
Additional reporting SWNS.
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