Scientists have pointed to the effectiveness of physical activity in nature

A recent study by the University of Montreal found that frequent exposure to nature in various contexts, especially during physical activity, is associated with improved mental health. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on January 31.

The study was conducted against the background of a marked deterioration in the mental health of young Canadians between 2011 and 2018, when there was an increase in cases of mood disorders and anxiety among people aged 19 to 24. It is clarified that the situation worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.

Most studies on the effects of nature on health focus on geospatial measurements, including the density of vegetation in an area or the distance to the nearest park. However, researchers from the University of Montreal went the other way and interviewed participants about how much they perceive nature in their environment, especially during physical activity.

The results showed that contact with nature in one context does not have a significant effect. A significant improvement in the psycho-emotional state was observed in those who tend to perceive nature as a part of their daily lives, including during physical activity.

"It seems that in order to achieve mental health benefits, it is necessary to combine the perception of nature in different settings," said Isabelle Doré, professor at the School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences and the School of Public Health at the University of Montreal.

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According to the publication, being in nature can encourage people to engage in physical activity, which, in turn, can increase the likelihood that a person will start looking for and noticing landscapes. Outdoor sports are said to have particular benefits for mental health, as nature redirects attention outward (to birdsong) rather than inward (to fatigue).

Dora recommended promoting local opportunities for interaction with nature. According to her, it is not necessary to be in a distant space to feel and hear the natural environment. She named urban parks as good places to connect with nature in various contexts.

The professor also drew attention to the fact that the results of the study can serve as a basis for the development of new public health strategies aimed at increasing physical activity and improving mental health among young people.

On January 22, National Geographic magazine reported on the ability of close contact with nature to help fight inflammation. According to the study, people who spend more time outdoors had reduced levels of three different markers of inflammation in the body. Anthony Ong, a co-author of the study and a professor of psychology at Cornell University, emphasized that visiting parks, forests, groves, mountains, and reservoirs can also evoke positive emotions such as calmness, awe, and contentment.

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