We all know that you can feel refreshed after a nice walk through the forest. But why? Is it the clean air, the natural beauty of nature or the healthy exercise? A group of researchers from Stanford University came up with an additional idea. They thought the nature effect might have something to do with reducing rumination, or, as they described it, “the repetitive thought focused on negative aspects of the self.” Rumination is also linked to depression. Their research shows they were right. Study participants who went on a 90-minute walk through a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination, compared with those who walked through an urban environment. According to the researchers, the results suggest that accessible natural areas are vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world.
Walking in nature prevents depression, but why?
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