Depression and feel like an enormous dark hole, and climbing out can seem to require impossible effort.
But researchers in the UK analyzing the results of 10 studies (with 1,250 participants) found that relief can take as little as five minutes when surrounded by green.
The researchers considered the effects of a variety of outdoor exercise activities on mood and self esteem. What they discovered was that people experienced a big boost in both after just five minutes out in nature. The effects increased with time, albeit less dramatically than the initial jump.
Even greater improvements came when they added blue to the mix — in the form of lakes or rivers. So if you’re down, remember this simple, free prescription: just a few minutes Vitamin Green and Vitamin Blue. (Via BBC).
Photo by Dr. Orna.
