Spending 30 minutes outdoors could reduce your risk of depression and heart disease

If you’re reading this, it might be time to power down your laptop or smartphone and head outdoors.

Researchers from the University of Queensland found that city residents who spend at least 30 minutes outdoors each week had a reduced risk of depression and high blood pressure.

The study estimates that if every one spent half an hour in their local park during the course of a week, the population of these illnesses would decrease by 7 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively.

“We’ve known for a long time that visiting parks is good for our health, but we are now beginning to establish exactly how much time we need to spend in parks to gain these benefits,” says researcher Richard Fuller.

Fuller and colleagues analyzed data from 1,538 residents of Brisbane City, examining the state of their mental health as well as their exposure to nature. Participants in the study were asked to detail the average amount of time spent in green spaces as well as the intensity of the nature in the space, measured by the amount and complexity of vegetation in the space.

Given that 5.4 per cent of Canadians suffer from some form of mood disorder or depression, and that metal illness in Canada costs the public health care system $51 billion each year, the use of green spaces could be a way to lighten the burden.

If you’re still clinging to the couch cushions of the great indoors, the study also found that those who frequently spent time in nature were also more comfortable in social situations.

Researchers believe the health and social benefits of green spaces could be linked to reduced stress and mental fatigue. Also, green spaces provide a pleasant location for exercising and friends to gather and socialize.

Despite this, more research is required to determine what long-term and lasting health effects the intensity, frequency and duration of nature exposure has on a person.