Physical Activity in Natural Environments Boosts Mental Well-being
In the heart of Magdeburg, Germany, the Institut für Systemische Therapie und Forschung (ISFT) has introduced a groundbreaking 12-week programme for adults with mild to moderate psychological problems. This innovative programme, aligned with green social security, features structured extended outdoor activities designed to support emotional and mental health through nature, animals, and plants.
The benefits of these outdoor activities extend beyond the physical realm. Factors such as transport, cost, safety, disability, and location can influence access to outdoor spaces for my activity. However, the estimated benefits from these programmes are considered conservative, as they fail to capture fully the social connections formed and the long-term prevention of relapse in economic models.
The study, which included adults participating in activities such as woodland walking, mountaineering, and seasonal snow sports like skiing, found that perceived health improvements from these activities explained a significant share of variation in well-being. Participants reported measurable improvements in mood and anxiety by the end of the programme, with some changes comparable in size to short-term cognitive behavioral therapy.
Moreover, participants who noticed better fitness, energy, and resilience also reported stronger mood and life satisfaction. The rhythm between body and landscape experienced during outdoor activities, such as skiing or hiking, encourages individuals to be present, engage with the moment, and feel part of something larger than themselves, providing a powerful counterweight to stress and anxiety.
An analysis in Environment International estimated the potential health system impact if outdoor activity became more routine. The study suggested annual savings in excess of one hundred million pounds when reduced treatment needs and productivity effects were combined.
However, researchers caution that much of the evidence remains cross-sectional, so causal claims should be made carefully. Longer follow-up trials will help clarify durability and identify which components deliver the largest gains.
Programmes that report good retention tend to address practical barriers by providing clear referral routes, equipment where needed, and confidence building support for first-time participants. The natural environment, such as mountains, forests, and open skies, offers a perspective that everyday urban settings cannot replicate, providing both physiological and cognitive gains by removing individuals from the pressures of daily routines.
Lukas Eisl, PR and marketing manager for the Obertauern Tourist Office, observes that skiing offers both physical challenge and a form of mental release. He emphasizes how the natural setting itself shapes the experience, encouraging mindfulness and resilience in ways that structured indoor exercise may not achieve.
A before-and-after evaluation published in Health & Social Care in the Community followed adults with mild to moderate mental health issues who were referred into a twelve-week programme of structured outdoor activity through a green social security route. The evaluation highlighted consistent sessions, supportive group dynamics, and trained facilitators as important elements.
As we continue to explore the benefits of nature on mental health, it is clear that outdoor programmes have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. The ISFT's innovative programme in Magdeburg serves as a shining example of this potential.
