Over the last ten years in the UK, there has been a fivefold increase in students reporting mental health problems. Despite this increase, long wait times and limited access to counseillors are the norm. As a result of this, students must be equipt with self-regulating mechanisms to take charge of their own mental wellbeing.
Recently, a culmination of new research suggested that the great outdoors could help with this problem; with multiple studies showing that time spent in nature reduces cortisol and stress levels.
This may come as no surprise. But just how much time do we really need to spend in fresh air to see a difference?
A new review in the US has determined this minimum “dose” of outdoor time required to see results. Amazingly, they found that as little as ten minutes spent sitting or walking in natural surroundings can result in improved moods. These improvements were reflected by lower heart rates, blood pressures and lower levels of coritsol.
Through Medsmart® we can see just how prevalent anxiety and stress is in young adults and have capability to engage with these patient cohorts. If you would like to hear more about our persona data service and how it can help you uncover the true patient voice and proactively engage with your medicine users, please get in touch.
