March 8th

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: 20 minutes in a park increases happiness

By now, it’s no surprise to you that nature improves our overall health and well-being. After all, TurfMutt has been sharing information on this very topic for years! But new research reveals just how much time we need to spend in nature to reap its rewards.

The good news? You don’t have to travel far or set aside an entire day for a nature excursion to feel better. In fact, you don’t even have to exert yourself! Turns out, it’s not about physical activity. It’s simply about spending time in a natural setting.

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research indicates that spending just 20 minutes in an urban park can make you happier. Scientists from the University of Alabama at Birmingham say park visitors they studied reported an improvement in their emotional well-being after a park visit. Interestingly, the amount of physical activity done at the park didn’t lead to elevated improvements in reported emotional well-being.

For the study, 94 adults visited three urban parks in Alabama and completed a questionnaire about their well-being before and after their visit. Scientists discovered that 20-25 minutes yielded the best results. Participants who spent this much time at the park showed a 64% increase in reported well-being.

This study indicates that anyone can benefit from time spent in a park – regardless of age or physical ability. TurfMutt pro tip. You know who else loves to go to the park? Your furry friend! Don’t forget to take them along when you head out.

To learn more about the science behind why green space – in parks, schools and our own backyards – is good for us and the environment, check out TurfMutt’s Living Landscape Fact Book.