Spending as little as 15 minutes a day in nature can reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, according to a major review by Stanford University researchers. The analysis examined nearly 450 studies and found that even short periods outdoors bring substantial mental health benefits.
Surprisingly, the study revealed that simply relaxing outside is more effective at boosting mood than exercising in nature. Lead author Professor Yingjie Li said, “Even brief nature exposure can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive function.”
The benefits increase with more time outdoors, with over 45 minutes a day leading to greater reductions in stress and boosts in vitality. The findings suggest that small urban parks and tree-lined streets can have a meaningful impact on mental health—especially for city residents.
Young adults appeared to gain the most from nature exposure, which researchers say is important given that most mental health disorders develop before age 25.
Depression affects about one in six adults at some point in their life, and symptoms can include low mood, loss of interest, anxiety, and physical issues such as sleep problems and fatigue. The number of people seeking help for mental illness in the UK has surged by 40% since before the pandemic, and nearly a quarter of children in England now have a probable mental disorder.
With urban populations expected to reach 70% by 2050, researchers are urging policymakers to create more green spaces—even small “pocket parks”—to help tackle the global mental health crisis.
Officials note that the rise in depression and anxiety may be linked not only to increased awareness but also to economic pressures, with the number of 18- to 24-year-olds unable to work due to health issues more than doubling in the past decade.
