Numerous previous studies have shown a link between being in a natural environment and both an increase in energy levels and a heightened sense of well being. The new research was aimed at determining whether this link was simply to
due to the physical activity and social interaction that occurs while outdoors, or if it was due to the effects of nature alone.

In order to do this, the researchers conducted five experiments on 537 college students in actual and imagined contexts. For example, in one, they were taken on a 15-minute walk down either indoor hallways or along a tree-lined path. In another, they were asked to imagine themselves in a variety of situations, both indoors and outdoors, active and sedentary, and with and without others.

In all of the different experiments, the students reported feeling more energetic when they spent time in natural settings – both real and imagined. Indeed, being outside in nature for just 20 minutes was enough to significantly boost vitality levels.

‘Nature is fuel for the soul,’ said Richard Ryan of the University of Rochester in New York, the paper’s lead author. ‘Often when we feel depleted, we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energised is to connect with nature.’

August 2010