England (Commonwealth Union) – The impact of nature on wellbeing has long been in much focus. Taking time out to spend some time in a park or a nature reserve does not just give us good mental health but also a chance to soak in the fresh air. New research from the University College London (UCL) has demonstrated nature’s role in enhancing a person’s health and wellbeing according new evidence.
Researchers worked with the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) to put together four Evidence Information Notes, commissioned by Natural England, based on associations between time spent in nature and mental and physical health for adults and children, and an NHS (National Health Service) England-commissioned review and briefing on the part of nature-based social prescribing and ways it may be applied to support those who may be having health inequalities. The combination of reviews obtained evidence from hundreds of high-quality reports, evaluating the experiences of 1000s of individuals to gain knowledge on ways nature impacted them. The findings are a gigantic amount of evidence, outlining the numerous ways in which taking time out with nature, is advantageous for our health and wellbeing.
Professor Helen Chatterjee of the UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment who was also lead author of the review and co-author of all four Evidence Information Notes, indicated that these reviews draw on a large amount of evidence demonstrating that spending time in nature is positive for our mental and physical health, and that green social prescribing helps social connections and lowers isolation and loneliness. “One recent study showed that spending 120 minutes per week benefits your health and wellbeing. Another study showed that adults and communities exposed to local green spaces show reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and increased likelihood of physical activity. Gardening has been shown to be particularly beneficial to both physical and mental health,” she said.
The research shows that there is presently a large body of evidence reporting the advantages of the natural environment on mental health. The advantages linked with exposure to nature are more wellbeing, such as subjective wellbeing, happiness, resilience, and less social isolation. Exposure to nature may also bring about a reduction in symptoms linked with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), when this is included together with therapeutic and mindfulness activities.
Residing or working near by nature can bring about a lot of physical and mental health benefits, like reduced levels of heart or respiratory problems, lower blood pressure, reduced levels of stress and physical symptoms of stress, reduced risk of diabetes and obesity, COVID-19 as well as slower cognitive decline.
The review demonstrates that, there is “strong and consistent” evidence that indicate ways green space around the home is related to reduced rates of all-cause mortality. The study shows strong evidence for nature’s advantages for children specifically. Taking time out in nature is linked with improved health, elevating children’s physical activity, wellbeing, and cognitive performance. The contact and connection with nature may also have a part in enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes. While time in nature is related to our general health, ‘nature connection’ with how we think and feel about nature. This appears to be linked to enhancements in our wellbeing as well, however further studies are required in this area.
“We have heard the calls for more evidence for social prescribing so are delighted to be able to publish this collection of evidence. The extensive, high-quality research outlined in these reports shows that nature can be of real benefit to both our mental and physical health,” explained Jim Burt, Interim Joint Chief Executive for the NASP.
