UK researchers’ latest report states that surveys of many regular exercisers show that working out in natural settings such as forests and parks helps relieve stress and depression, improves mental well-being, and that the benefits are far greater than exercising indoors, such as in gyms.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow and other institutions in the UK recently reported in the journal *Social Science & Medicine* that they surveyed nearly 2,000 regular exercisers in Scotland and found that those who exercised in environments such as forests and parks had about half the risk of experiencing negative mental states like depression compared to the general population.
Previous studies have shown that exercising in natural environments can promote mental health, but most were small-scale surveys. This study covered a much larger scope and strongly supports this view. The research also found that the benefits are significantly better than exercising in a gym or running on the street.
The analysis also showed that just one weekly session of exercise in a natural environment can deliver these mental health benefits, and the more often you exercise, the greater the advantages. The exercise doesn’t have to be intense activities like running or cycling — even taking a walk in a park or forest can have a positive effect.
Professor Richard Mitchell, who led the study, said the reason behind this phenomenon may be that when people are in natural surroundings and see the plants and trees around them, their brains naturally reduce stress and help the mind become more at ease.
