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The Science-Backed Advantages of Nature for Health: Countless Health Benefits Await, Research Shows

Outdoor life produces significant health advantages, both physical and mental, according to recent scientific investigations. Here's a breakdown of the benefits.

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4 min read
Outdoor experiences have multiple proven advantages for both physical and mental health, as...
Outdoor experiences have multiple proven advantages for both physical and mental health, as detailed by current scientific research. We've condensed the findings for easy understanding.

The Science-Backed Advantages of Nature for Health: Countless Health Benefits Await, Research Shows

We've all heard the health benefits nature provides for children: increased creativity, happiness, and brainpower. But what about the adults? A surprising number of health benefits await for those who step outside the everyday grind.

Meet the Caban family, who discovered a new lease on life through spending time outdoors, all thanks to AMC's Rx program. The duo initially believed the program would mainly benefit their daughter, Khalani, who struggled with socialization and language development. However, they quickly found that their own minds, bodies, and spirits thrived from weekly, year-round excursions to local parks and beaches.

"Being part of the Rx program helped me a lot, mentally," Itzamary shared, recalling her difficult adjustment to life in the US following their move from Puerto Rico. "It was challenging to adapt to the weather, culture, and city, but nature was my sanctuary." Noe, who'd undergone weight-loss surgery, found solace in staying active and developing a healthy lifestyle. What's more, on a summer trip to AMC's Cardigan Lodge, Noe amazed himself by successfully scaling Mount Cardigan, a 4-mile hike.

Modern life presents a chilling alternative: More and more of us are bogged down by high blood pressure, depression, screen time, and lackluster nature access. As of 2016, kids ages 8 to 18 spent a staggering 7 hours, 38 minutes on screens each day, while adults clocked in at a daunting more than 10 hours. Meanwhile, a meager 10 percent of youth today can regularly enjoy nature—compared to 40 percent for adults of yesteryear.

Enter Dr. Gracia Kwete, a pediatrician at Massachusetts General Hospital's (MGH) Revere Healthcare Center, who often refers families to Rx to tackle a range of challenges, including fostering socialization, promoting language development, combating obesity, and cultivating healthy habits. Evidently, more doctors should embrace these interventions.

But what exactly does nature offer that keeps us thriving? With insights from Rx's director, Angel Santos Burres, and program manager, Emily Grilli-Scott, we've rounded up the most compelling scientific research highlighting the wealth of health benefits nature bestows upon us.

Nature sharpens our focus

In a 2009 University of Illinois study, ADHD-diagnosed children showed improvements in concentration and impulse control following walks through parks rather than neighborhoods or downtown areas.

TRY IT YOURSELF: Incorporate a Nature Break into your daily routine. Take a short walk outside, even if it's just around the block during lunchtime or a quick stroll in the park before or after work. If you're stuck indoors, seek out pictures of natural settings and gaze upon them. You might find yourself feeling more alert and focused.

Nature soothes our minds

According to a 2014 study, nature offers relief and recovery from stress and mental fatigue. The term "restorative environments" was coined by psychologist Stephen Kaplan long ago, describing outdoor settings that refresh our emotional, physiological, and cognitive states. Kwete says those fleeting hours spent outdoors can help alleviate mood issues, anxiety, and stress for both kids and adults.

TRY IT YOURSELF: Every day, dedicate at least 15 minutes to escaping indoors. Head to a nearby park, out your back door, or simply settle into a grassy knoll at lunchtime. Just a few minutes outside can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Nature enhances our memories

In a 2008 study at the University of Michigan, participants who took walks through arboretums scored nearly 20 percent better on memory tests than participants who walked through urban areas.

TRY IT YOURSELF: Boost your memory (and serotonin production) by taking a 20-minute walk outside daily. For city dwellers, seek out a tree-lined block or park to wander through.

Nature heals the wounds of trauma

Participants in a University of California-Berkeley study showed fewer PTSD symptoms following rafting trips, which stimulated feelings of awe. The study's lead author noted that awe is the key ingredient, explaining, "It's the active ingredient that explains why being in nature is good for us."

TRY IT YOURSELF: Find an outdoor spot with a breathtaking perspective—a scenic overlook, a public pier on a lake, or even a night sky—and immerse yourself in its wonders.

Nature boosts our happiness and well-being

Residents of a greener neighborhood in Ghent, Belgium, reported higher levels of happiness than those living in less lush areas. Likewise, a 2013 American Chemical Society study demonstrated that feelings of joy persist for up to three years after moving to an area with abundant green space.

TRY IT YOURSELF: When feeling overwhelmed or blue, forgo Netflix or social media and venture outdoors. Even in winter months, a brisk walk or snowshoe excursion can help lift your spirits.

Nature fortifies our hearts and minds

Coventry University researchers found that schoolchildren participating in outdoor activities had significantly lower blood pressure, thanks to the positive effects of natural light and fresh air.

TRY IT YOURSELF: Nature doesn't require you to abandon technology entirely. Grab your smartphone and get geocaching, birdwatching, or become a citizen scientist.

Nature fosters growth and resilience

Norwegian kindergartners who attended forest recess exhibited better coordination, motor skills, and overall development than those who stuck to traditional playgrounds. Kwete recommends Rx programs to foster healthy habits for kids of all ages.

TRY IT YOURSELF: Walker your kids to school when possible, noticing the natural world around you. Explore winter-hardy plants and marvel at the intricate beauty of snowflakes.

Nature is a prescription for improved mental health

100 million American adults suffer from high blood pressure, and one in eight adults age 12 and older take antidepressants. Escaping the indoors for just 15 minutes a day offers the potential to combat these trends.

TRY IT YOURSELF: Short on time? Create a scavenger hunt in your area, seeking out unique natural features or specimens. The change of scenery—never mind the physical activity—will do your mind and body good.

  1. Engaging in fitness-and-exercise, such as hiking or rafting, can lead to a reduction in PTSD symptoms, as shown in a University of California-Berkeley study.
  2. Skin-care benefits extend beyond cosmetics, as exposure to natural light and fresh air has been linked to lower blood pressure in schoolchildren, according to Coventry University researchers.
  3. A health-and-wellness practice that involves spending time in nature can have positive impacts on mental health, particularly for those who are struggling to adjust to new environments, as shared by Itzamary from the Caban family.
  4. The practice of nutrition is intertwined with nature, as spending time outdoors can boost serotonin production and memory, as indicated in a 2008 study at the University of Michigan.

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