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Austrian study shows that spending 20 minutes in a forest reduces stress and improves psychological well-being

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Spending 20 minutes in a forest can be enough to achieve a "measurable" reduction in stress and thus contribute to "psychological well-being," according to a study conducted by the Medical University of Vienna.

The research results "clearly show that even a short stay in the forest improves mood," stated environmental medicine expert Daniela Haluza.

The study, published in the journal Forests, divided 66 adults into two groups. While the first group spent 20 minutes in the Vienna Woods, the other group was in an urban environment without vegetation.

Both before and after this time period, researchers collected saliva samples from participants to measure cortisol levels, which is an indicator of stress. The data showed that cortisol levels dropped from about 4 to 2 nanograms per milliliter in individuals who were in the forest.

Additionally, positive emotions decreased by 25% in participants who stayed in an urban environment, compared to 12% recorded in the other group, "indicating a notable relief from negative emotions" in those surrounded by trees.

"Our study in the Vienna Woods confirms that natural forest landscapes can measurably contribute to stress reduction and psychological well-being," Haluza stated.

The research team emphasized the need for everyone to have access to recreational spaces, "since not everyone can take frequent mountain trips or afford expensive vacations, but a short walk in the forest is feasible for many."

Source:Emol.com