Take 'group nature walks' to ward off stress, depression

A new study has revealed that talking long "group nature walks" can help people beat stress and anxiety.

The study conducted by the University of Michigan, with partners from De Montfort University, James Hutton Institute, and Edge Hill University in the United Kingdom found that group nature walks are linked with significantly lower depression, less perceived stress and enhanced mental health and well-being.

Sara Warber, M.D., associate professor of family medicine at the U-M Medical School, said that walking was an inexpensive, low risk and accessible form of exercise and when combined with nature and group settings, it might be a very powerful, under-utilized stress buster.

Given the increase in mental ill health and physical inactivity in the developed world, they are constantly exploring new, accessible ways to help people improve their long term quality of life and well-being, she further added.

The study is published in the issue of Ecopsychology devoted to 'Ecopsychology and Public Health'.