Reduce stress – exercise outdoors!

Das and Gailey studied the implications of exercising in green spaces during the pandemic.

They report that “Previous cross-sectional literature reports protective effects of outdoor exposure on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We longitudinally assess whether green exercise corresponded with a decline in adverse mental health symptoms, controlling for state lockdown policies. . . . we specificized participation in an outdoor walk, jog, or hike (green exercise). . . . results indicate a modest decline in PHQ-4 [patient health] scores of approximately 0.10 (less mental health symptoms) as a function of green exercise, controlling for state lockdown status. . . . green exercise, as opposed to indoor exercise, corresponds with a decrease in PHQ-4 scores during lockdown.

Contact with nature may improve mood and decrease mental health symptoms, especially during stress-inducing periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Green exercise as a recommended behavioural intervention may hold relevance for greater public health.”

Abhery Das and Samantha Gailey.  2022. “Green Exercise, Mental Health Symptoms, and State Lockdown Policies:  A Longitudinal Study.”  Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 82, 101848, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101848