Seven in ten Brits feel better mentally and physically - after being outdoors

03 November 2023 , 11:36

1056     0

Seven in ten feel better mentally and physically after spending time outdoors (Image: SWNS)

Seven in ten Brits say that spending time outdoors helps them feel better both mentally and physically – as 46% feel more relaxed, and 38% experience less stress, according to research.

Those who spend more time in nature benefit from a clearer mind (44%), and better sleep (28%), as well as generally feeling calmer and brighter (42%).

In contrast, people who spend more time indoors than they would like often feel tired (25%), isolated (16%), and sluggish (37%).

The poll of 2,000 adults found that four in five (79%) feel healthier and more energetic after enjoying nature or green spaces, while three-quarters get a boost of happiness that lasts all day. In fact, of those who spend the most time outdoors each week, 92% feel this way.

And it emerged that spending 20 hours a week or more in a green or natural space boosts day-to-day productivity by 41% – compared to those who spend less than 30 minutes a week outside.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

The research was commissioned by the Greener Communities Fund – a partnership between Hubbub, NHS Charities Together, and Starbucks.

It follows a 2022 study by charity, The National Academy for Social Prescribing, which found spending time in nature can benefit long-term health and wellbeing. Furthermore, 2020 research by Public Health England found it can even help reduce the pressure on the NHS.

Nearly half say nature helps them feel more relaxed, with four in ten feeling calmer and brighter (Betsie Van der Meer/Getty Images)

Louise McCathie, director of fundraising at NHS Charities Together, said: “People not only feel better when they visit outside spaces, but they work and play better, too.

“And as well as helping us connect with the natural world, outdoor experiences provide a much-needed chance to decompress – and can make a huge difference to our overall health.

“The Greener Communities Fund is a new, multi-million pound fund, helping local NHS charities to create more green spaces across the UK – and improve the nation's health in the process.

“By establishing new community spaces and increasing access to nature, we’re hoping to boost the wellbeing of the UK public, while helping our environment and the NHS at the same time.”

The study also found that as well as feeling healthier, those who spend more time in nature are more likely to adopt behaviours that are good for the environment.

These behaviours include eating a more plant-based diet (18%), choosing to walk or cycle rather than driving (31%), and recycling more (55%).

And more than half (54%) said their attitude to the environment has been influenced by spending time outdoors – as 13% have even started picking up litter on their walks.

And 13% have even started picking up litter while out on a walk, to help the environment (Shih Wei/Getty Images)

Two-thirds said spending time outdoors encourages them to take better care of their wellbeing – and the OnePoll study also revealed the best things about being outside, including fresh air (64%), the scenery (47%), and seeing animals and wildlife (46%).

Greggs, Costa & Pret coffees have 'huge differences in caffeine', says report

Noticing the change in seasons was a favourite outdoor pastime, for 35%, while 11% loved wrapping up in a warm coat.

Yet, despite enjoying being outside, one in ten said that lack of access to green areas and attractive parks was a top barrier to spending more time in nature. And 19% felt they didn’t have time to head outside more often – while 8% didn’t feel safe enough.

But of those who spend the least time outdoors each week, one in three (34%) said having better access to an area of natural beauty would encourage them to spend more time in the open air.

Greener Communities Fund spokeswoman, Louise McCathie, added: “The more time we spend in nature, the more we all benefit – and it’s so important that everyone gets that chance.

“Our hope is that this fund will give everyone better access to outdoor spaces, and especially those who have limited access currently. That includes hospital staff, patients, and visitors, people living in urban areas, and some community groups.

“Funded by proceeds from the Starbucks 5p cup charge, new spaces will soon be cropping up across the UK – we can’t wait for everyone to be able to enjoy them.”

Martin Winter