June 20th

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: spending 2 hours/week in nature key to health & well-being

Researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK have found that people who spend at least two hours in nature each week report better health and wellbeing than those who don’t. Interestingly, no benefits were found in people who spent less than 120 hours/week in a natural setting.

The study analyzed data from nearly 20,000 people in England. Scientists found that it didn’t matter if the two hours was achieved in a single visit or spread over the course of several shorter stints. The two-hour threshold applied to both men and women, to younger and older adults, across ethnic groups, and in all socioeconomic statuses.

While it has been well reported that getting a dose of Vitamin N(ature) is good for us, this study quantifies the amount of time needed to reap rewards. The researchers say they hope the current finding will offer valuable insight for healthcare practitioners in making recommendations about spending time in nature to promote health and well-being.

To learn more about the many benefits of spending time in green space – including those in our own backyard! – check out the scientific stats we’ve compiled in the Living Landscapes Fact Book.