120 Minutes in Nature: The Weekly Dose for Better Health & Wellbeing

Could a simple, free, and accessible activity be a powerful prescription for better health? A groundbreaking UK study published in Scientific Reports suggests that spending time in natural environments is strongly linked to improved health and wellbeing. For those of us in the modern, often indoor-centric world, this research offers a compelling reason to reconnect with the outdoors.

This article will break down the key findings of this large-scale study, discuss its important limitations, and provide practical, evidence-based ways to integrate this "nature dose" into your own life.

The Modern Disconnect from Nature

Our current lifestyle represents a significant shift from our evolutionary history. Research suggests that Americans spend up to 87% of their lives indoors and another 6% in vehicles. This means many people are spending only about 100 minutes a day outside, a stark departure from a more natural human existence.

This shift may come at a cost. Concurrently, issues with mental wellbeing are prevalent globally, with millions of people affected by anxiety and depressive disorders. The UK study sought to investigate if reconnecting with nature could be a simple yet powerful way to counter these trends.

The Study: A Large-Scale Look at Nature and Wellbeing

The research, led by Mathew P. White and his team, analysed data from nearly 20,000 participants in England. It focused on time spent in natural environments like parks, beaches, and the countryside over the previous week.

Key Findings: The 120-Minute Threshold

The most significant finding was a clear dose-response pattern. The benefits were not linear but showed a critical threshold:

"...the likelihood of reporting good health or high well-being became significantly greater with contact ≥120 minutes."

This means that people who spent two hours or more in nature per week were significantly more likely to report good health and high wellbeing compared to those with no nature contact. Importantly, this positive association held true regardless of a person's age, gender, socioeconomic status, or pre-existing health conditions.

The study also found that:

• It didn't matter if the 120 minutes were achieved in one long visit or several shorter ones.
• Benefits appeared to peak between 3 to 5 hours per week, with diminishing returns after that.

Limitations of the Research

While the results are compelling, it's crucial to interpret them within the study's limitations. Acknowledging these provides a more complete and scientifically honest picture.

• Observational Design: This study shows a correlation, not direct causation. While it strongly suggests that nature exposure improves wellbeing, other factors could be involved.
• Self-Reported Data: The data on both nature exposure and health were based on participant recall and personal reporting, which can be subject to bias.
• Limited Scope: The study was conducted in England. Cultural and environmental differences might influence how these findings apply to other populations.
• "Nature" Definition: The study excluded activities like gardening, so the full spectrum of nature exposure may not be captured.

Despite these limitations, the study's large sample size and consistent results across demographics make it a significant contribution to the field.

Practical Takeaways: How to Apply This Research

So, what does this mean for you? Based on this evidence, here are some practical ways to incorporate nature into your routine for better health:

1. Aim for the "Weekly Dose"

Set a goal of at least 120 minutes (2 hours) per week in a natural environment. This is your target "dose."

2. Flexibility is Key

Don't stress about doing it all at once. A 20-minute walk in a park each weekday, a longer hike on the weekend, or a slow picnic—it all counts. Find a rhythm that fits your schedule.

3. Redefine "Nature" for Your Context

You don't need to travel to a remote wilderness. A local park, a tree-lined street, a community garden, or a beach are all excellent options. The key is being in a natural, outdoor space.

4. Combine with Healthy Habits

Maximise the benefits by combining your nature time with other healthy activities. Walk or cycle through a park instead of driving, practice mindfulness outdoors, or have a social catch-up during a walk instead of in a cafe.

Conclusion: A Simple Step Towards Better Health

This research provides a strong, evidence-based case for a simple and accessible intervention: spending more time in nature. While modern life often pulls us indoors, making a conscious effort to achieve a weekly "dose" of 120 minutes outdoors could be a powerful tool for enhancing your overall sense of health and wellbeing.

It's a prescription that is free, has no negative side effects, and is waiting right outside your door.

How do you plan to get your 120 minutes of nature this week? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Journal Reference:
White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3