Take Two (hours) Every week– Relaxation in Nature

#VitaminN

We shared with you the numerous benefits nature brings to us– so just how long should we spend in nature to ensure that our vitamin N intake is sufficient?

Studies show that as long as you spend two hours every week in nature – either just basking in it or staying active – you can vastly improve your health and mood! The two-hour mark for boosting physical and mental wellbeing applies to everyone, including people who are with terminal illnesses.

What if you’re so busy you can’t even spare two hours? Research suggests for you to be flexible. According to your preferences and situation, allow yourself to casually build up the habit of spending time in nature. When you’re especially busy, divide the two hours into four sessions – spending half an hour outdoors each time. Or if time allows, wait for a day off and spend all two hours at once!

You can refer to the following articles if you are interested in learning more:

[1] Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2009). The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-009-0086-9

[2] White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

Get to know more about “Vitamin N”➤➤

A Practice A Month ➤ bit.ly/3bYkSGF Magic of Phytoncide ➤ bit.ly/3Pu3KHp De-stress and be relaxed in nature ➤ https://bit.ly/3NZTR2N Connecting with Nature with a Picture ➤ https://bit.ly/3Pf24ks Beyond the Five Senses, Uncovering Your Hidden Skill ➤ https://bit.ly/3wSDejV

For more information about Into the Woods ➤➤➤ https://www.lungfushannaturalist.hku.hk/intothewoods