Environment
Green Space Exposure
Time in nature reliably lowers stress — and there's a clear dose that makes a difference.
Effect size
Moderate
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Evidence quality
Meta-analysis
How much you need
About 120 minutes per week in green space (cumulative).
How it works
Natural environments downregulate sympathetic 'fight-or-flight' tone and reduce HPA-axis activation, measurable as lower salivary cortisol.
Works best for
Urban dwellers and high perceived stress.
Contraindications
None. Brief virtual-nature exposure is a partial alternative when mobility is limited.
Key citations
- Nature Exposure Dose and Mental Health (meta-analysis)
BeWell offers evidence-based behavioral habits, not medical treatment. Nothing here is a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.