Psychologists Reveal a Truly Effective Way to Reduce Stress
University of Michigan: a 20-30 minute walk in nature without a phone significantly lowers cortisol levels.
University of Michigan: a 20-30 minute walk in nature without a phone significantly lowers cortisol levels.
The University of Michigan has shown that just 30 minutes in nature is enough to restore mental health and overcome stress. But there is an important condition: during this half hour, the phone and internet must be turned off.
According to experts, the relaxing effect comes from the rustling of leaves, the green of the grass, and the smells of nature. As a result, a person's cortisol level, the stress hormone, decreases. Elevated cortisol has repeatedly been linked to chronic stress, obesity, weakened immunity, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
The scientists conducted an experiment with 36 volunteers. They were required to walk in nature at least three times a week for a minimum of 10 minutes. Cortisol levels were measured before, during, and after the experiment. The walks had to take place strictly during the day. During the walk, participants could not exercise, use the internet, browse social media, talk on the phone, hold personal conversations, or read.
It turned out that even a 20-minute walk in nature was enough to significantly lower cortisol levels. However, the most significant changes in hormone concentration were observed after 20-30 minutes of walking in a rural setting.
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