5 ways nature keeps you healthy, according to research
The great outdoors is great for your health.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
Poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson believed nature was good for the soul: “The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship.” But spending time outdoors is also good for the body and mind, in a number of different ways. From your disease risk to your mental well-being, here’s how visiting parks and other green spaces can influence your health.
Written byPatrick Sullivan.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.
Sources: Emerson + 12
- Emerson, Ralph Waldo. The complete works of Ralph Waldo Emerson: Nature addresses and lectures [Vol. 1]. Nature: VII Spirit. University of Michigan Digital Library. Last updated March 28, 2006.
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- YN Luo, WZ Huang, et al. Greenspace with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies up to 2020. Obesity. Published online July 16, 2020.
- De la Fuente F, Saldías MA, Cubillos C, et al. Green Space Exposure Association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Physical Activity, and Obesity: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(1):97.
- Mazumdar S, Chong S, Astell-Burt T, et al. Which Green Space Metric Best Predicts a Lowered Odds of Type 2 Diabetes? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(8):4088.
- Liu XX, Ma XL, Huang WZ, et al. Green space and cardiovascular disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Environ Pollut. 2022;301:118990.
- Mason L, Manzione L, Ronconi A, et al. Lessons in a Green School Environment and in the Classroom: Effects on Students' Cognitive Functioning and Affect. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(24):16823.
- van Oordt M, Ouwehand K, Paas F. Restorative Effects of Observing Natural and Urban Scenery after Working Memory Depletion. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;20(1):188. Published 2022 Dec 23.
- Cowan N. What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory? Prog Brain Res. 2008;169:323-338.
- JM Smith, LB Alloy. A roadmap to rumination: a review of the definition, assessment, and conceptualization of this multifaceted construct. Clinical Psychology Review. 2008;29(2):116–128.
- K Riihimaki, M Vuorilehto. Rumination and primary care depression. European Psychiatry. 2016;33:S422.
- Grilli G, Sacchelli S. Health Benefits Derived from Forest: A Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(17):6125.
- S Tillmann, D Tobin, et al. Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: a systematic review. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. October 2018;72(10):958-966.
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