Outdoor Exercise Cuts Stress Hormones Double

- A study comparing walks in a forest park, a city center, and an indoor fitness area found that the natural setting resulted in lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Participants in this study also reported feeling more relaxed and less tired after walking in nature compared to the other two environments. - Research indicates that even short periods of time in nature can be beneficial, with one study showing a significant drop in cortisol levels after just 20 minutes. The most efficient stress reduction, in terms of time invested, was seen in "nature pills" lasting 20 to 30 minutes. - Beyond hormonal changes, outdoor exercise in natural settings has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of anger and anxiety more than exercising in urban environments. It also leads to greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement. - The benefits of "green exercise" extend to cognitive functions as well. Studies have found that time spent in nature can improve memory, attention, and creativity. - One study found that 58% of participants reported improved stress levels after outdoor workouts, compared to only 33% who felt less stressed after exercising indoors. - The positive effects on stress and mood are not limited to vigorous exercise. Activities like gardening have also been shown to reduce cortisol levels more than sitting indoors and reading. - A study involving a 10-week park-based walking program for older adults demonstrated significant improvements in their walking capacity, which includes balance, leg strength, and walking confidence. - Research suggests that the sensory experiences of being in nature, such as the sounds of birds and the smell of grass, can promote mindfulness and help calm the nervous system.