The Benefits

When was the last time you sprawled in the grass or leaned against a tree? Walked barefoot on the earth or breathed in the scent of a flower? Modern society leaves little room for experiences like these. We’ve become plugged into technology and hemmed in by busy schedules. To a large extent, we’ve lost touch—both literally and figuratively—with nature. We've forgotten the basic truth that time spent in nature is good for us. It's where we can experience wonder and awe, where we can be curious and playful.

Not surprisingly, recent declines in overall mental, physical, and social/emotional health have been linked in part to people’s growing disconnection from the natural world. But there’s good news. As little as 20 minutes spent outdoors can help to address these issues. In fact, a wide body of evidence has shown that being in nature can have a restorative effect on all of these fronts: