The Mental Benefits of “Green Exercise”

You’ve no doubt surmised from reading my past blogs that, as a chiropractor, my philosophy is a resounding “motion is life,” and that I believe that daily exercise is one of the most important elements to health and longevity, mentally as well as physically. So, naturally, whenever I run across a new study that validates the importance of exercise, I like to pass it along to my patients. And, that’s just what I’m doing here. A new study by researchers from the University of Essex, and published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that just five minutes of exercise a day in “the great outdoors” can improve mental health. That’s right, “green activity” like walking in the park, cycling around vineyards, and gardening, or even farming, can actually boost a person’s mood and self esteem.

Even though plenty of studies in the past have confirmed that outdoor exercise can not only increase a sense of well-being, but reduce the risk of mental illness in general, there hasn’t been a study focusing on just how much time outdoors is needed to produce positive benefits. What may come as a surprise to many people is just how little time is required. The study found that the largest positive effect on self-esteem came from just a five-minute “tip-toe through the tulips.” Surely, we all have five minutes to devote to your sense of well-being. Of course, if you don’t live or work close to a park, allow time for the commute.

You can read more on this study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology or go to msnbc.com/health

Technorati Tags: exercise, mental health, well-being, Where:Santa-Barbara-CA