Spend Time in Forests and Parks

Regular unhurried time in forests, parks, or trails, including practices like forest bathing, supports mood and stress relief.

Beta content. Evidence for this dimension is still developing; grade is conservative and will be upgraded as more research is reviewed.

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Evidence suggests…

A meta-analysis finds forest bathing significantly reduces depression and anxiety symptoms, and reviews support physical/mental benefits of wildland recreation and outdoor exercise. Several are controlled studies, supporting Grade B, though samples are often small and mostly short-term.

A longer nature outing (e.g., a park or forest visit) at least weekly Optional: comfortable footwear, weather gear foundational forests, parks, trails

reduce_stressimprove_moodincrease_physical_activitygeneral_adultsurban_residents

3 ordered steps with their dose, from Weekly Outdoor Time.

Common misconceptions

You need a remote wilderness, local parks and urban forests also help
It has to be strenuous, slow, sensory 'forest bathing' is beneficial

What we won't claim

Forest bathing cures depression or anxiety
Park time replaces medical or psychological treatment

When to seek a professional

Environmental hazard on site (unsafe conditions) → local authority; persistent mood symptoms → mental-health professional

Key sources (4), grade mix A:4 · B:0 · C:0

Every source below carries its own grade and links to the original study. This is the audit trail.

AJennifer M. Thomsen, Robert B. Powell, C. Monz (2018) · Journal of park and recreation administration · 10.18666/jpra-2018-v36-i1-8095

ALuke Peddie, Vincent Gosselin Boucher, E. Buckler, Matthew Noseworthy, Brook L. Haight, Spencer Pratt, Boaz Injege, Michael S. Koehle, Guy E. Faulkner, E. Puterman (2024) · Health Psychology Review · 10.1080/17437199.2024.2383758

AC. Siah, Y. Goh, Jungup Lee, Sum Ngok Poon, Jenna Qing Yun Ow Yong, W. Tam (2023) · International Journal of Mental Health Nursing · 10.1111/inm.13131

AJ. Coon, K. Boddy, K. Stein, R. Whear, J. Barton, M. Depledge (2011) · Environmental Science & Technology · 10.1021/es102947t

✓Explore all 401 studies in Environmental →

The full evidence base this focus area draws on, every study with its grade and DOI.