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UF study reveals spending time outdoors can help reduce stress levels
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Researchers Christy Suhendy and others determined that spending time outdoors can help to reduce the stress a person may feel. This study was conducted on 1,361 Florida residents who were 45 and older due to their unique stressors.
The study used the 3-30-300 rule, from Professor Konijnendijk (2022), which means there should be at least 3 trees visible from your window, 30% of canopy cover from trees, and the nearest park from your residence is at least 300 meters.
“…tree[s] present, just having trees around, including their shade, wasn’t significantly associated with stress rejection on its own, but trees play an important role when they’re a part of spaces people actively use,” Suhendy told WMNF.
Trees alone don’t provide stress relief, but it’s the combination of the shade and tranquility they provide that helps to reduce stress. So, to maximize the stress reduction trees provide, an increase in parks could be the answer.
Parks are where trees can flourish and help all age groups benefit from the shade of trees. Suhendy also says that having parks around can contribute to other physical factors that can improve health.
“There are the physical activity components like walking, exercising. Also, there’s a social aspect, like you can meet your friends, your neighbor, and have a feeling of being inclusive, being a part of the community,” Suhendy says.
Before this study, Suhendy studied Forestry for her bachelor’s in Indonesia, where she found a passion for researching what the outdoors can do for human health. Stating that she “…long believed that trees and green spaces play a crucial role in creating healthier cities, but I wanted to really understand the specific mechanism behind these benefits.”
Based on the research from this study, to have the best health benefits, you need to find a park where regularly walking in it can boost your mood, help with your health, and improve your quality of life overall.
For more information on the study, visit the UF IFAS blogs.
The post UF study reveals spending time outdoors can help reduce stress levels appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.
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By Listen:
Researchers Christy Suhendy and others determined that spending time outdoors can help to reduce the stress a person may feel. This study was conducted on 1,361 Florida residents who were 45 and older due to their unique stressors.
The study used the 3-30-300 rule, from Professor Konijnendijk (2022), which means there should be at least 3 trees visible from your window, 30% of canopy cover from trees, and the nearest park from your residence is at least 300 meters.
“…tree[s] present, just having trees around, including their shade, wasn’t significantly associated with stress rejection on its own, but trees play an important role when they’re a part of spaces people actively use,” Suhendy told WMNF.
Trees alone don’t provide stress relief, but it’s the combination of the shade and tranquility they provide that helps to reduce stress. So, to maximize the stress reduction trees provide, an increase in parks could be the answer.
Parks are where trees can flourish and help all age groups benefit from the shade of trees. Suhendy also says that having parks around can contribute to other physical factors that can improve health.
“There are the physical activity components like walking, exercising. Also, there’s a social aspect, like you can meet your friends, your neighbor, and have a feeling of being inclusive, being a part of the community,” Suhendy says.
Before this study, Suhendy studied Forestry for her bachelor’s in Indonesia, where she found a passion for researching what the outdoors can do for human health. Stating that she “…long believed that trees and green spaces play a crucial role in creating healthier cities, but I wanted to really understand the specific mechanism behind these benefits.”
Based on the research from this study, to have the best health benefits, you need to find a park where regularly walking in it can boost your mood, help with your health, and improve your quality of life overall.
For more information on the study, visit the UF IFAS blogs.
The post UF study reveals spending time outdoors can help reduce stress levels appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.