Being in Nature Can Reduce the Risk of Depression
According to many studies, including a significant one in 2015, being in nature can reduce the risk of depression, among several benefits. In the study, participants were divided into two groups. Both groups took a 90-minute walk, with one group walking in a natural environment and the other walking in an urban setting. Participants who took nature walks experienced decreased brain activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain strongly associated with rumination, the deep repetitive thought patterns where the person tends to concentrate on negative emotions. Such rumination is often associated with depression. The participants who walked in the urban setting didn’t experience the same decrease in prefrontal cortex activity.
The researchers noted that the study results are consistent with the evidence that increasing urbanization is causally linked to increased rates of mental illness. The study was led by Stanford researchers and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
A former technical lead for Sikorsky Aircraft, Carl Byington now owns his own consulting firm, PHM Design. Carl also enjoys many active outdoor pursuits. Whether it is mountain climbing, trail running, hiking, cycling, kayaking, or SCUBA diving, Carl Byington enjoys spending his time in nature. Read more about his adventure blogs here.
The science is clear, so make your resolution to spend more time in nature for a healthier body and mind in 2021!
