Nature exposure reduces stress levels in new study

stress reduction mental health cortisol levels gut microbiome forest bathing

A study conducted by the Medical University of Vienna in the Wienerwald forest indicates that spending just 20 minutes in a natural forest environment can significantly reduce stress levels. Researchers measured cortisol levels in 66 healthy adults, finding that the group spending time in the forest showed a marked decrease in cortisol and a 12 percent reduction in negative emotions. In contrast, the urban control group saw no change in stress levels and a 25 percent decrease in positive mood.

Additional research suggests that the diversity of the gut microbiome may play a role in how individuals respond to stress, with higher microbial diversity potentially leading to more rapid physiological mobilization during challenges.

To manage immediate stress, experts recommend several physiological techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. These include diaphragmatic breathing, exposing the face to cold water to trigger the diving reflex, humming, and square breathing exercises.

Entities

Daniela Haluza · Medical University of Vienna · National Geographic · Wienerwald

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] A short stay in the forest can improve psychological state and reduce stress mostarski.ba
[○ 1 SOURCE] The forest group maintained a stable mood compared to the urban group mostarski.ba
[○ 1 SOURCE] Negative emotions decreased by approximately 12 percent after 20 minutes in a forest mostarski.ba
[○ 1 SOURCE] Diaphragmatic breathing with a long exhale can help calm the body radiobijelopolje.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] Diverse gut microbiomes are linked to more pronounced reactions to short-term stress ordinacija.vecernji.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The urban group experienced a 25 percent decrease in positive mood mostarski.ba
[○ 1 SOURCE] Exposing the face to cold water can trigger the diving reflex to slow heart rate radiobijelopolje.me
[○ 1 SOURCE] Spending 20 minutes in a forest environment significantly reduces cortisol levels mostarski.ba

Sources

Osjećate da pucate od stresa? Isprobajte ove trikove koji ne traže mnogo vremena [bosnainfo.ba]

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Već 20 minuta boravka u prirodi smanjuje nivo stresa [mostarski.ba]

21 days ago

Kako crijevni mikrobiom utječe na reakciju na stres? [ordinacija.vecernji.hr]

21 days ago

Stres vas preplavljuje? Jednostavne tehnike koje mogu brzo da pomognu [radiobijelopolje.me]

19 days ago