Here's a really easy way to improve your mood and your health

walking alone outside

Flickr / Mike Kniec

Now that summer is here, there is nothing better than going outside. But if you need a little extra motivation, consider this: Only 30 minutes spent outside per week can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure and depression.

This advice comes from a new study that analyzed data from 1,538 residents in Brisbane, Australia. The researchers asked the city residents about their weekly habits when it came to nature and physical activity; then they assessed their mental and physical health.

The results showed that people who made regular long visits to green spaces (like city parks) had lower rates of depression and high blood pressure. Those that went frequently experienced greater social cohesion — meaning that they were more willing to cooperate with others in social situations.

The study has some limitations, especially since the participants self-reported their outdoor activity. Still, these findings are in line with previous research on similar issues.

Earlier this year, a study in the journal Environment and Behavior suggested that a small dose of nature — even a simple walk down a tree-lined city street — can reduce stress. A 2015 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science found that people who took a 90-minute stroll through nature experienced fewer negative thoughts and showed less activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a brain region that seems to play a key role in some mood disorders. Other research has suggested that outdoor walks can boost short-term memory, reduce inflammation, and even improve your vision.

Today, over half of the world’s population live in urban areas, and that number, according to the World Health Organization, is only expected to rise over the next few decades. In addition, urbanization itself has been shown to increase levels of mental illness, though the exact reasons why are still unclear.  So, if you do live in the city, why not get out go out for a walk in the park? After all, it will only do you more good than harm.

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