Cases of anxiety disorders and depression are on the rise, which is not very surprising given stressors like bumper-to-bumper traffic and constantly ringing cell phones. So what can we do to improve our mental health? A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science looked at the impact of nature walks on rumination, which is a system of internal thought focused on distress. This constant brooding has been associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression.
The study enlisted thirty-eight adults with no previous history of mental illness. The participants were split into two groups; the first group was asked to walk through a grassy area on campus surrounded by trees and flowers while the second group walked down a busy and bustling highway. Before and after their walk, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to measure their tendency toward rumination. Additionally, all participants had brain MRI scans before and after the walk. The MRI scans were targeted at the subgenual prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain that is most active during rumination.
Results of the questionnaire and MRI demonstrated that participants who went on the nature walk experienced a decrease in negative thinking; most importantly the subgenual prefrontal cortex in these individuals was less active.
Bottom Line: Taking a break from the busy city and stepping out into nature can improve mental well-being and promote positive thinking. Try starting your day with a twenty-minute walk outdoors or go for a hike on the weekend.
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