‘It’s a public health necessity’

A new study led by Oregon State University found evidence that spending time outdoors isn’t just good for your mood; it’s also essential for mental health, especially during times of crisis.

Published in PLOS One, the research tracked how U.S. adults engaged in outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic and found a clear connection: Those who spent more time in green spaces had lower stress and fewer depressive symptoms. 

“Even after controlling for numerous COVID-specific risk and protective factors, outdoor recreation emerged as an important protective factor for mental health during the crisis,” said lead researcher Xiangyou (Sharon) Shen, assistant professor in OSU’s College of Forestry.

The study, part of the project Play2Cope, surveyed a nationally representative group of adults during the pandemic’s second wave in early 2021. It found that people adapted by leaning into near-home outdoor activities such as walking and gardening, with walking alone making up 57% of reported recreation. That’s proof that access to nearby parks and green spaces can be a form of “behavioral medicine.”

The study is a hopeful takeaway at a time when many headlines around health and the environment can feel bleak. Like forest bathing or gardening therapy, this study reinforces that some of the best tools for mental well-being are right outside your front door.

The research also highlights an important equity issue: Outdoor engagement fell most among people experiencing financial troubles and in communities of color, which could explain the disproportionate mental health impacts these groups experienced during the pandemic. 

“This raises concerns about the persisting effect of structural inequity in people’s ability to engage in outdoor recreation as a health behavior,” Shen said. “It is crucial to maintain or even increase access to outdoor recreation spaces during future crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in park-poor areas or communities where vulnerable groups concentrate.”

“Our research shows that outdoor recreation isn’t some kind of bonus, it’s a public health necessity,” Shen explained.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional mental health services were strained and social connections were limited, outdoor recreation served as a critical buffer against psychological distress. Policymakers who want to improve population mental health and advance health equity should prioritize outdoor recreation access with the same urgency they apply to other essential health services.”

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.


Cool Divider

Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

Study: Association of life’s essential 8 score with incidence of atrial fibrillation: The Framingham heart study. Image Credit: Magic mine / Shutterstock

Poor lifestyle habits nearly double your chance of developing AFib

Adults with poor Life’s Essential 8 scores faced significantly higher atrial fibrillation risk, suggesting that heart-healthy habits could be key to preventing this common arrhythmia. Study: Association of life’s essential 8 score with incidence of atrial fibrillation: The Framingham heart study. Image Credit: Magic mine / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the American Journal of

2025_06_11_Raj_Shah-2

Over Decades, A Healthy Lifestyle Outperforms Metformin in Preventing Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

In the early 2000s the U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a large randomized clinical trial, showed that intensive lifestyle modification was better than a medication called metformin at preventing at-risk patients from developing Type 2 diabetes. In a newly completed follow-up study, a team of researchers including Vallabh “Raj” Shah, professor emeritus in The University

intestine

Healthy lifestyle linked to lower diverticulitis risk, irrespective of genetic susceptibility

Credit: CC0 Public Domain Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—specifically, a diet rich in fiber but light on red/processed meat, regular exercise, not smoking, and sticking to a normal weight—is linked to a significantly lower risk of diverticulitis, finds a large long-term study, published online in the journal Gut. What’s more, these five components seem to offset

Status Quo's Francis Rossi has admitted that he's constantly worried about his health and mortality

Status Quo’s Francis Rossi, 76, admits he’s constantly worried about his health and mortality after lifestyle overhaul: ‘Will I last too much longer?’

Status Quo’s Francis Rossi has admitted that he’s constantly worried about his health and mortality. The rocker, 76, spoke candidly in a new interview as he said he often now asks himself: ‘Will I last too much longer?’  Francis is the co-founder, lead singer, lead guitarist and the sole continuous member of the rock band Status

The surprising health benefits of mangoes says nutritionist

The surprising health benefits of mangoes, says nutritionist

Mangoes also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, further enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms. #mangoes Mangoes, often called the “king of fruits,” are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health, according to a report by asianetnews. Nutrition experts say mangoes are rich in polyphenols,

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x