Study Finds Exercise in Green Places Boosts Mental Health
The BBC reports that a new study has found just five minutes of exercise in a green place, such as a park, garden or nature trail, can boost a person's mental health. Longer periods of exercise in a green place are beneficial, but the first five minutes provide the biggest boost. Places containing water provide an even bigger boost.
The research looked at many different outdoor activities including walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming in locations such as a park, garden or nature trail.
The biggest effect was seen within just five minutes.
With longer periods of time exercising in a green environment, the positive effects were clearly apparent but were of a smaller magnitude, the study found.
Jules Pretty, a researcher at the University of Essex, said exercise in green places will give the biggest boost to people who are "generally inactive, or stressed." People suffering from a mental illness can also get a big boost from green exercise.
It is pleasant to see green surroundings and experience nature. However, the positive effects may be reversed if someone suffering from allergies steps outside to enjoy some fresh air and is bombarded by grass, tree and ragweed pollen.
The BBC 
