Better Than Coffee? Natural Energy Booster

One more on the myriad benefits of the simple joy of getting out in nature: A series of studies published in the latest issue of the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that just being out in nature makes people feel more alive, and creates a sense of increased vitality beyond just the ordinary effect of increased physical activity and social interaction.

To separate out the effect of being in nature from other factors which may have been boosting that sense of vitality, the researchers did five different experiments where participants were led through walks through indoor hallways and tree-lined paths, were shown photographs of buildings and natural landscapes, were asked to document their lives in a variety of social, indoor, and outdoor contexts.

Across all methodologies, individuals consistently felt more energetic when they spent time in natural settings or imagined themselves in such situations. The findings were particularly robust, notes [study lead author Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester]; being outside in nature for just 20 minutes in a day was enough to significantly boost vitality levels. Interestingly, in the last study, the presence of nature had an independent energizing effect above that of being outdoors. In other words, conclude the authors, being outdoors was vitalizing in large part because of the presence of nature.

Ryan went on to say, “Nature is fuel for the soul. Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature.”

Read more: Health, Nature, energy

By Matt McDermott, Planet Green

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Emma S.

12:56PM PDT on Oct 30, 2011

Yes - I don't find it easy to exercise at all, but I do know that, even if it's a dark day, it's always lighter outside than in - so it's worth going outside to lift your mood a bit.

send a green star

Miranda R.

1:13PM PDT on Aug 16, 2011

Getting outdoors for a hike, even a quick one is always an energizer for me. It beats that afternoon cup of joe, yes!

Michele W.

7:57AM PDT on Jul 14, 2011

Thank you

Amalia G.

3:09AM PDT on Jun 11, 2011

it works thanks

Ania P.

12:58PM PDT on May 6, 2011

I like this method :)

Tim C.

1:02PM PDT on Mar 24, 2011

tks.

Laurita W.

7:54AM PDT on Mar 23, 2011

If I'm too depressed to drag myself outside, sometimes a cup of coffee and some chocolate will help me get there...
Outdoors always helps my mood.

Diane S.

3:12AM PST on Mar 1, 2011

Nothing like nature to soothe my soul !

Cory R.

12:05PM PST on Feb 4, 2011

It's also hard to get motivated to go outside if you don't have to when there are 8 foot piles of snow everywhere and it's 25 degrees (feels like 12).

Jeanette B.

1:35AM PST on Feb 4, 2011

Getting out in the fresh air and nature always helps me feel more balanced, grounded and peaceful. Thanks for posting =)