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May 7, 2010
"After a day's walk everything has twice its usual value." --George Macauley Trevelyan
'Green' Exercise Boosts Mental Health
Ever feel happier when you enter a park or nature setting? Just five minutes of exercise in a 'green space' such as a park can boost mental health, researchers say. In the latest analysis, UK researchers looked at evidence from 1,250 people in 10 studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem. Study leader Jules Pretty of Essex University suggests, "Employers, for example, could encourage staff in stressful workplaces to take a short walk at lunchtime in the nearest park to improve mental health." Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, also points out that green exercise could can provide low-cost and drug-free therapy to improve mental well-being. "We would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate."
BE THE CHANGE
Go for a walk during your lunch break.
