Time in nature: what the research says

Time in nature has some evidence it may help with low mood and worry, and limited evidence for stress and physical health.

What it is

Spending time in green or blue spaces: parks, woods, gardens, by water. It includes 'forest bathing' (shinrin-yoku), a slow, mindful walk among trees.

What the research says

• Mood and worry: In 16 randomised trials of nature-based activities, people had less low mood and anxiety and more positive feelings. The strongest results came from programmes of 8-12 weeks with 20-90 minute sessions. Forest bathing studies point the same way, but many were small or mixed in design. Some evidence it may help · Coventry et al., 2021 · Siah et al., 2023
• Stress: After forest bathing, levels of the stress hormone cortisol fell for a short time. The data are limited, and a placebo effect is possible. Limited evidence · Antonelli et al., 2019
• Physical health: People with more green space nearby tend to have a lower heart rate and blood pressure. In a survey of 19,806 people in England, those who spent at least 2 hours a week in nature more often reported good health. These studies show links, not cause and effect, and 2 hours is not a proven amount. Limited evidence · Twohig-Bennett and Jones, 2018 · White et al., 2019

Is it safe?

In hot weather, avoid the strongest sun (11am to 3pm), drink plenty of water and use sunscreen of at least factor 30. NHS, 2026 · NHS, 2026

After walks in long grass or woodland, check yourself, children and pets for ticks, and see a doctor if a round rash or flu-like symptoms follow a bite. NHS, 2025

Your own practice complements medical care and never replaces it. Please don't stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor.

Sessions that fit alongside

Sissoo practitioners offer sessions some people combine with time in nature: Spiritual Guidance · Meditation

Checked 12 November 2026. Next check by May 2027. How we rate the evidence.