United States: In today’s busy world of social media, zoom calls, and Netflix, spending time in nature which is the best possible great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and even can boost your immune system. To get the most benefits, try spending 20 minutes in a local park three times a week, five hours in a nature preserve each month, and three days camping or hiking each year. Being outdoors is good for both your body and mind!
It’s called the 20-5-3 rule, and it’s a scientifically proven tool that can change the way people understand the concept of spending time outside.
As reported by Yahoo life, but why might a 20-minute stroll in your local park demand that you make more frequent trips than a weekend trek in the middle of nowhere? Finally, what is good about having different kinds of nature? Experts explain.
What is the 20-5-3 rule?
The formula, which was developed by neuroscientist Rachel Hopman-Droste, breaks down like this:
At least thirty minutes, three times a week, in a natural environment of a local park or any green area like community garden, wetlands or trees lining any walkway in the neighborhood.
Spending more than 5 hours in a month in seminatural conditions, like state parks or nature preserves.
3 days per year in ‘real wilderness’,; eg camping or hiking in backcountry or remote areas
Florence Williams, author of Nature Fix and Heartbreak, tells Yahoo Life: “This arrangement, having a general guideline like this could be helpful to some people. They concentrations are however derived from a few studies that can be carried forward to give loose averages and as individuals it is always advisable to listen to what we need in any particular week or year.
According to Williams, if we need that little extra – that is, when things are truly awful, and our lives are troubled and painful – then we may require more of the everyday nature, or more of the deep wilderness.
“The emerging science is a chance for us to pay attention to how we feel when out, to acknowledge which parts of nature we are most drawn toward and towards doing things that restoring is needed most acutely.”
If it is possible the amount of time spent in nature should be prolonged
Although there is evidence that taking a walk while surrounded by nature both locally and in your park is good for your health and can lower your stress levels, the level of exposure necessary to receive the same kind of stress relieving benefits that come with a day spent in deep forest is much higher.