How to get the most out of walking

Previously, science approached the issue formally: researchers simply calculated the density of vegetation in a person’s area of residence and tried to relate this to his well-being. Corentin Montel, the lead author of the new work, took a different path. Instead of analyzing maps, he asked people, “Do you even see the nature around you?”

The experiment involved young people (average age 22), a group that is currently most susceptible to anxiety disorders. Participants were asked to rate how often they come into contact with the natural environment in their daily lives and during sports. The results showed that the secret of success lies in the combination. Those who noticed nature only on their way to work or, conversely, saw it only during rare training sessions received almost no mental bonuses.

A real breakthrough in well-being was observed only in those who combined both factors. People who regularly came into contact with greenery both at home and during physical exercise scored significantly higher on the mental health scale. The difference was so significant that it could not be attributed to an error. The conclusion is simple: nature heals only if you immerse yourself in it completely and regularly.

Why is outdoor training more useful than the gym? Isabelle Doré, the curator of the project, explains this by changing the focus. When a person runs on a track in a fitness club, he often concentrates on his feelings: “it’s hard for me,” “muscles hurt,” “I’m tired.” Nature forces us to shift our attention outside. Birdsong, rustling foliage and changing landscapes distract from internal discomfort. This transforms sports from a grueling routine into a process of restoring the nervous system.

An important moment for residents of megacities: You don’t have to go to the wild forests to feel the effect. The authors emphasize that the city park copes with the task no worse. The main thing is not just to run past the trees with headphones on, staring at the asphalt, but to consciously interact with the environment: to hear and see the living world around you. This is an affordable and free way to keep your mental state normal.