Our paper on the effects of spending time in nature on cognitive function and mood is finally out! Led by Dr. Linda Tomasso, the findings are now published in the Journal of Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.

In a nutshell: we looked at how going for walks in urban parks can affect our mood and cognitive function. Previous research has shown that prescribed nature walks can make people feel better and think more clearly. However, this study wanted to see if the amount of time spent walking outside, chosen by the individuals themselves, was more important than just being in a natural setting.

The results showed that the longer people spent walking outside, the better their processing speeds became. However, the relationship between walking duration and other cognitive abilities was more complicated and not just based on linear patterns.

When it came to mood, the study found that outdoor walking had a significant positive effect on mood, regardless of the duration of the walk. This was true even after taking into account individual differences in how long people walked.

The study also discovered that shorter, more frequent walks in nature were associated with a stronger connection to nature and improved wellbeing.

Overall, this research suggests that the duration of outdoor walks and the individual's affinity for nature are important factors in improving mood and cognitive abilities. The study highlights the need for further investigation to better understand how to design interventions to promote wellbeing in specific urban populations.