Health for Body Mind and Soul

Writing more than a century ago E. G. White noted that for individuals “…who are brain weary and nervous because of continual labor and close confinement, a visit to the country, where they can live a simple, carefree life, coming in close contact with the things of nature, will be most helpful … and will do far more than any other agency toward their recovery.” This counsel applies to anyone who leads a stressful life today.

A recent study by Barton and Pretty (2010) supported E. G. White’s recommendation. Barton and Pretty’s multistudy analysis of 10 studies conducted in the United Kingdom with a total of 1252 participants, assessed the best dose of green exercise (exercise carried out in nature), that improve self-esteem and mood (mental health).

The researchers found that within 5 minutes of exercising outdoors participants’ mood and self-esteem improved. Although the participants still acknowledged an improvement in mood and self-esteem within 10 – 60 minutes or half day in nature, their scores were lower. The scores rose again when participants spent the whole day in nature. Other findings from this study were the impact on self-esteem with regards to exercise intensity.

The greatest change in self-esteem was experienced with light intensity exercise, and fell with moderate intensity exercise, but increased again when exercise intensity was vigorous. Overall being in nature had positive effects on self-esteem and mood, especially if water was also present in the surroundings.

Reference

Barton, J., & Pretty, J (2010): What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis.

White, E. G. (1905): The ministry of healing.