THERE is good news for people who live in the countryside.
Researchers in Canada have found that a nature walk can lift your spirits and help those suffering from depression.
The research also tested Attention Restoration Theory, which argues people concentrate better after spending time in peaceful settings as they are not bombarded with external distractions helping their brain to relax.
For the latest study, 20 people with clinical depression – 12 women and eight men – had to walk in a quiet nature setting and in a noisy urban setting.
After their walk they took part in a series of mental tests to measure their attention, and short-term and working memory.
The results showed sufferers had a 16 per cent better increase in attention and working memory after the nature walk compared with the urban walk.
“Walking in nature may act to supplement or enhance existing treatments for clinical depression,” insisted Dr Marc Berman who led the research.
