Researchers found that as little as 20 minutes a day spent in nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels, according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
Thirty-six city dwellers were asked to take a “nature pill” spend ten minutes or more outside, at least three times a week, over a period of eight weeks. The researchers measured levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, from saliva samples taken before and after a nature pill, once every two weeks.
The participants could choose the time of day, the duration, and the place, but it had to be during daylight and they had to abstain from social media, internet, phone calls, conversations and reading. “Our study shows that for the greatest payoff, in terms of efficiently lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol, you should spend 20 to 30 minutes sitting or walking in a place that provides you with a sense of nature,” the lead author of the study said.
Cortisol levels continued to go down after 30 minutes of nature experience, but at a slower rate.
Picture Credit : Google
