Seven in ten UK adults say that being close to nature improves their mood according to mental health survey
posted 16th June 2021
Its long been suspected that being out doors and in touch with nature is good for us, this recent survey seems to support this hypothesis. It may not be the only answer to mental health difficulties but it seems to be part of the solution.
-More than six in ten (65 per cent) UK adults say being in nature has led them to experience positive emotions such as calm, wonder and joy
-Almost half of UK adults (49 per cent) said being close to nature helps them cope with stress.
-More than four in ten (44 per cent) say being close to nature makes them less worried or anxious.
-More than one in ten adults (11 per cent) found it fairly or very difficult to access nature when they wanted to.
-More than one in ten UK adults (12 per cent) spent up to one hour or less in nature per week
-Seven in ten UK adults (70 per cent) said being close to nature improves their mood according to a new survey into its effects on mental health.
The survey published by the Mental Health Foundation found powerful evidence of the positive impact that engaging with nature can have on positive mental health.
Almost two thirds of UK adults (65 per cent) said that being close to nature made them feel positive emotions such as joy, calm and wonder.
Almost half of UK adults (49 per cent) said being close to nature helps them cope with stress. Meanwhile more than four in ten UK adults (44 per cent) said it made them feel less worried and anxious.
However, the survey also found that there were some key barriers to people being able to access nature in the way they would like.
Many people indicated they struggled to get enough time in nature with one in ten adults (11 per cent) saying they found it fairly or very difficult to access nature when they wanted.
The survey of 4274 UK adults aged 18 and over was carried out on 6th-8th April 2021 and was published to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week - which this year has the theme of Nature.
The week - which runs from the 10th to 16th May - has been hosted and run by the Mental Health Foundation for the last 21 years.