Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing

This large-scale study explored how time spent in nature impacts health and well-being. Analyzing data from nearly 20,000 adults in England, the researchers found that spending at least 120 minutes per week in natural environments significantly improved self-reported health and life satisfaction compared to no nature exposure. Benefits peaked between 200–300 minutes weekly but plateaued thereafter. These findings emphasize the importance of regular, moderate nature exposure for mental and physical health, providing a measurable guideline for promoting well-being through time in green spaces.

Spend at least 120 minutes per week in natural settings, such as parks, forests, or beaches, to enhance physical health and mental well-being. Break this into multiple shorter visits or a single extended outing based on personal preference. While the study establishes a clear benefit threshold, its observational nature limits causal conclusions. Pairing nature exposure with physical activity or mindfulness could further amplify benefits while addressing stress and cognitive fatigue.