While it's become clear to many employers over the last four years that things like therapy, medication and
Multiple studies over the last two decades have found that exposure to nature and mental health care are strongly connected: A Stanford University study discovered that compared to people who walked in a traffic-filled, urban setting, people who walked 90 minutes in a nature-filled area showed less activity in the part of the brain associated with depression. The University of Iowa found that people with higher access to nature during the pandemic tended to have higher levels of well-being.
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Despite the evidence, a lack of accessible green spaces, extreme temperatures and a demanding schedule can make it difficult for people to spend time outdoors. That's why it's important for employers to offer a hand.
"Offer incentives such as paid breaks that include outdoor activities like walks outside," says Dr. Jeff Yoo, a licensed therapist at Orange County-based Moment of Clarity Mental Health Center. "[Offer] green spaces in the workplace, such as a tree with picnic tables for lunch breaks, or a no-smoking area with plants and greenery for those who want to enjoy the outdoors on breaks."
Notably, access to green spaces is not universal. As found in multiple studies, including one by the Center for American Progress, areas with higher populations of Black and Latinx Americans tend to have less tree cover and vegetation, making temperatures in the neighborhood hotter. This is important for employers to keep in mind when considering how to encourage time outside for their workforce.
Dr. Yoo even encourages employers to provide plants inside the office or start a community herb garden for workers. And if none of these suggestions sound immediately doable, Dr. Yoo reminds employers that flexibility, remote work and a strong PTO policy also allow employees to potentially enjoy the outdoors. Like wellness apps and affordable access to therapy, spending time in nature can help workers ultimately be more engaged and productive at work.
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"Research from several sources supports the concept that being in nature helps reduce anxiety and stress," says Dr. Yoo. "The most effective part of being in nature is that spending time outdoors promotes relaxation, improved thought process, brain function and an overall sense of well-being."
As for workers who can access green spaces, Dr. Yoo has more personal recommendations, including scheduling mini breaks during the workday for walks (weather permitting), eating lunch at a park and practicing creative activities like drawing or writing in green spaces. He stresses that even 15-30 minutes outside can make a difference — it's just a matter of ensuring nature is part of one's routine.
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"Remember to include green natural outdoors in your time," says Dr. Yoo. "Timing is everything: The best hours during the summer are earlier or later. Taking a walk or hike in the morning could be best for avoiding hotter temperatures. Swimming in the evening may be more pleasant and place less risk of skin damage from the sun."
If people want to take it a step further, vacations that center on nature, like the mountains or beach, can be great getaways. Dr. Yoo notes that people do not need to be athletic or even have a great love of nature; it's just important that they find an activity they like to do outdoors and incorporate it into their lives.
"[Don't] allow anything to get in the way of finding balance and freedom from stress and life," says Dr. Yoo. "You are the writer of your own story and how you spend your time. Have your best summer this year."
