Just 20 Minutes in Nature May Reduce Stress and Improve Health, Study Finds

The fast pace of life in Israel leaves many people spending long hours in front of digital screens, confined to indoor spaces and surrounded by concrete, air pollution, and asphalt. A new scientific study offers evidence supporting something many of us have long suspected: Spending even a short amount of time outdoors, whether walking through a garden, relaxing in a green park, or simply enjoying nature, may provide meaningful benefits for both physical and mental health.

The study, published in the scientific journal Forests, involved researchers from the Medical University of Vienna, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, and Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic. It examined 66 healthy adults with an average age of 30.3 years, approximately 72.7% of whom were women.

To investigate the physiological effects of spending time in natural surroundings, researchers monitored several important health indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate, and concentrations of proteins associated with inflammatory processes in the body.

According to the findings, spending as little as 20 minutes in a peaceful green environment was associated with a significant reduction in cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, alongside measurable improvements in markers of inflammation.

The researchers suggest that the calming qualities of natural surroundings, including greenery and reduced exposure to urban noise, may help the nervous system gradually shift away from a prolonged state of stress and heightened alertness toward greater relaxation and physiological balance.

The findings highlight the potential value of incorporating brief periods in nature into everyday life. Even for people with demanding schedules, a short visit to a nearby park or garden may offer an accessible way to unwind and support overall well-being.