New meta-analysis finds spending time outside in nature has benefits for those with a diagnosed mental illness

New meta-analysis published in the journal Ecopsychology, examined 30 years of published research on the social, mental and physical health effects of exposure to nature, including urban nature. The study found that spending time in nature, even for as little as 10 minutes can yield short term benefits for adults diagnosed with mental illness.

Researchers from the University of Utah found that spending any time in nature yielded positive benefits regardless of the activity or duration. The studies included in the analysis varied, some participants spent as little as 10 minutes in a city park whilst others spent multiple days in immersive wilderness experiences.