Essential
- A pilot study shows that a self-guided program surrounded by nature can reduce depression and anxiety.
- Participants gained well-being, mindfulness and environmental connection.
- Researchers now call for a wider test to confirm these promising results.
What if a simple outdoor ride could improve mental health? This is at least what a pilot study of the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom suggests, published in the journal Behavioral Sciences. The “Roots and Shots” program, based on the exploration of nature for four weeks, allowed adults to reduce their symptoms of depression and anxiety while strengthening their well-being.
Anxiety, a public health challenge
Depression and anxiety receive millions of people worldwide and cost some 136 billion euros each year in the United Kingdom. However, mental health services are saturated and many patients do not receive care. Faced with this observation, simple and accessible solutions, such as nature -based interventions, arouse growing interest.
Dr. Matt Owens, co -founder of the Rowan research group, said in a press release: “We know that spending more time in nature can be beneficial for well-being, but we live more and more inside, between urbanization and screens. We have therefore designed a tool of self-assistance mixing clinical psychology and nature research.”
The study involved 47 adults divided into two groups: one immediately followed the Roots and Shots guide, the other was placed on the waiting list. Result: 82 % of active participants found a significant improvement in their well-being, and 59 % have reached clinically significant changes. Some have even gone from clinical depression levels to normal condition.
Multiple benefits
Beyond improving mood, participants have developed a greater connection to nature, more full awareness and a reduction in stress. “The self-assistance resources based on nature are still in their early days, underlines the clinical psychologist Hannah BUNCE. But they offer a promising option to help people manage their difficulties themselves, while strengthening their link with the environment. “
If 94 % of participants would recommend the program to a loved one, researchers recall that this is a pilot study. “The results are very encouraging, but we must now finance a larger trial”concludes Dr Owens.
