Vitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature

Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention

“…An increase in vitality was even reported by participants who merely imagined themselves in an outdoor setting. In experimental studies, participants randomly assigned to walk in nature reported greater vitality than those who walked indoors Ryan et al, 2010). Finally, meta-analytic results show that those with a stronger connection with nature than others tend to report a greater sense of vitality (Capaldi et al, 2014).…”

“…When research participants tracked their daily activities, greater vitality was associated with activities involving nature, regardless of physical exercise and social companionship levels (Ryan et al, 2010). An increase in vitality was even reported by participants who merely imagined themselves in an outdoor setting.…”

Trening ute eller inne? Rapport fra et prosjekt med datainnsamling under Forskningsdagene 2012

“…Moreover, it has been reported that PA in contact with nature (PAnat) elicits revitalization and positive mental states above and beyond PA taking place elsewhere, e.g. in 'traditional' indoor settings (PAind) (Mitchell, 2012;Ryan et al, 2010;Thompson Coon et al, 2011), and this may act as a motivational booster making people embrace active lifestyles. It has also been reported that PAnat, such as walking in natural environments, have positive effects on cognitive performance (Hartig, Mang, & Evans, 1991) and indicators of psycho-physiological and physical health (i.e.…”

“…On the contrary, natural environments represent for many a pleasant environment where to spend time and engage in different types of PA, such as walking, gardening, hiking or exercising. Experiences in natural environment have been found to be associated with positive mental states (Hartig et al, 1991;Ryan et al, 2010;Thompson Coon et al, 2011) and low-intensity activities (such as walking) outdoors were associated to lower perceived exertion and higher ratings of enjoyment, positive affective responses and intention to engage in PA in future, as compared to the same activity undertake indoors on a machine (DaSilva et al, 2010;Focht, 2009;Marsh et al, 2006). These psychosomatic responses to nature can be associated to an immediate sense of wellbeing that makes the experience of PA more pleasant.…”

“…Experiences in natural environments, such as walking and back-packing vacations as compared to similar experiences in urban or indoor settings (Hartig et al, 1991;Ryan et al, 2010), have been shown to induce vitalizing effects and restoration from mental fatigue. Walking in forest as compared to urban settings have been also associated to improved profiles of psychophysiological markers of sympathetic nervous activity (Yamaguchi, Deguchi, & Miyazaki, 2006) and stress hormones (Park et al, 2010).…”