RESEARCH

Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence

The paper finds strong evidence that exposure to nature improves mental health, reduces stress, enhances cognitive function, and lowers risks of chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions. It recommends expanding access to green spaces and conducting more rigorous studies to understand the mechanisms and long-term benefits of nature exposure.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Children/Youth, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings, Workplace Environments, Urban vs. Rural Settings, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Sleep Quality, Faster Recovery Times

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

This research reviews the growing evidence linking exposure to nature with various health benefits. It highlights how spending time in natural environments, such as parks or forests, can improve mental health, reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and support physical activity. Experimental studies show that exposure to nature lowers stress hormones like cortisol, reduces blood pressure, and boosts mood. Observational studies further suggest that living near green spaces is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease, better sleep quality, and improved mental well-being. For children and youth, access to green spaces has been linked to better emotional health, cognitive development, and reduced symptoms of disorders like ADHD.

Despite the positive findings, the paper identifies gaps in research, such as inconsistent methods for measuring nature exposure and limited studies on children and marginalized populations. It calls for more rigorous study designs, such as randomized trials, to explore long-term effects and mechanisms behind these benefits. The authors also emphasize the importance of equitable access to green spaces to ensure that all communities can benefit from nature’s positive impacts on health.