This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A new study led by researchers at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has established the first systematic weekly benchmarks for green space exposure and mental health. Drawing on 45 years of global research, the study reveals that even modest weekly contact with nature yields significant mental health benefits, with positive effects rising rapidly at lower levels of exposure before tapering off as visits become more frequent or prolonged.

To address the practical question of how much time individuals should dedicate to nature, the research team analyzed evidence published between 1980 and 2025. The meta-analysis focused on the frequency and cumulative duration of weekly green space visits, examining their impact on mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, depression and mood.

The findings revealed a distinct nonlinear relationship, which the researchers translated into three key reference points:

Highlighting the scientific significance of these thresholds, professor Bin Jiang remarked, "The most striking aspect for me is the theoretical value of these findings, which suggest that the dose-response curves in most reviewed studies follow a remarkably consistent pattern. This indicates the potential existence of an objective scientific law. For public health, the findings suggest nature is not merely an object for aesthetic appreciation but a free, accessible 'medicine' for mental health, where the dosage matters."

Professor Chris Webster added, "It is surprising neither that nature exposure helps mental health nor that there is a dose-response curve.

Source link