Being in nature is good for us. New research says that being in nature for 10 minutes can help our mental health. Spending time with others in natural environments can also help relationships. Even gardening can make a difference. A study from the City University of Hong Kong found that nature makes us see other people as more "fully human". The researchers say this makes us help others more. This makes us feel better about ourselves. We feel more positive, so our mental health improves. Helping other people can also reduce our stress and anxiety.
Mental health is a growing problem around the world. More people are suffering from anxiety, depression, and other disorders. In the USA, one in five Americans has mental health problems. The research has good advice on how nature can help us. It says time spent among trees or in fields helps us sleep better and improves our concentration. Moreover, a study from Japan found that flowers have positive effects on mental health. Researchers found that employees who had a vase of roses on their desk became calmer after just four minutes.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Nature - Level 0, Nature - Level 1 or Nature - Level 3
Sources- https://www.psypost.org/contact-with-nature-has-this-heartening-effect-on-our-psychological-disposition-scientists-find/
- https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/nature-therapy-mental-health-benefits-study/
- https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/aug/27/good-nature-by-kathy-willis-review-flower-power
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