Get outside, in something green
Around two hours a week in nature is where the association appears in the largest study.
Do this
Spend time in parks, woodland or coast - it does not have to be continuous or strenuous. Twenty minutes at a time, adding up to roughly two hours a week, is what the data point at.
Why it works
A study of nearly 20,000 people in England found that those spending at least 120 minutes a week in natural environments reported significantly better health and wellbeing, with the association plateauing after that. Smaller experimental studies find reductions in rumination and stress markers after nature walks.
Where it fails
The large study is cross-sectional, so people who feel well may simply go outside more. The experimental work is small-scale and short-term. Access to green space also tracks income closely, which confounds a great deal.
How you’ll know
Compare a walk on a street with a walk in a park, same duration. If there is no difference for you, this is not your lever.