CosBeauty Magazine #85

spend time in
nature
It seems 120 minutes a week in
nature is associated with benefits to
our health and wellbeing, according
to new research.
The authors of this new study,
published in Scientific Reports in 2019,
said theirs is the first large-scale research
to quantify how much time is needed to
feel the effects. The study used survey
data from more than 19,000 participants
in the United Kingdom, who were
quizzed about their contact with nature.
‘This applies to old and young, males
and females and the rich and the poor,’
said lead researcher Dr White from the
University of Exeter.
Nature, as defined by the study, did
not have to be pristine wilderness or
spectacular national parks - beaches, city
parks or farmland were all included as
natural environments.
So going for a surf or cycle might be
a great way to pair outdoor time with
getting active, but physical activity
wasn’t necessary to feel the benefits of
being in nature – just being out there
was enough.
Improving your mental health is a
rewarding experience and changes can
be made at any time. They help you
handle life’s challenges and recover
from setbacks, boosting your mood and
building your resilience.
It’s important to remember that
seeking help is a sign of strength, not a
weakness. Receiving appropriate care
from a professional can help encourage
us to do things we may not be able to do
on our own. cbm
Snapshot
statistics
behind
mental
health
Each year around one in
five Australians will experience
a mental illness
One in seven Australians
will experience depression
in their lifetime
About 4% of people will
experience a major depressive
episode in a 12-month period,
with 5% of women and 3% of
men affected
Approximately 14% of
Australians will be affected
by an anxiety disorder in any
12-month period
Women are more likely than
men to seek help for anxiety
disorders (18% compared with
11%) and mood disorders
(7.1% compared with 5.3%)
*Mindframe and Blackdog
statistics
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