(Daily Mail) Two-hour 'dose' of nature a week significantly boosts health: 'Forest bathing' loved by the Duchess of Cambridge reduces stress and promotes wellbeing Forest bathing is the Japanese practice of walking thoughtfully through woodsInspired the garden the Duchess co-designed at the Chelsea Flower Show Two hours a week is a 'realistic target' and can be broken up into short visits
A two-hour dose of nature a week is good for our health, research suggests.A new study found 'forest bathing' for at least 120 minutes every seven days promotes wellbeing. The Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly a fan of the Japanese practice, which involves walking slowly and thoughtfully through woodlands.
Researchers believe relaxing in a park, beach or forest gives us 'perspective on life', while also reducing stress.They say two hours a week is a 'realistic target' for most, particularly when it can be broken up into several short visits over the seven days.
The Duchess of Cambridge is pictured laughing with the landscape architects Andree Davies and Adam White. The three co-designed the Royal Horticultural Society's Back To Nature Garden, which was open to the public at this year's Chelsea Flower Show +2 The Duchess of Cambridge is pictured laughing with the landscape architects Andree Davies and Adam White. The three co-designed the Royal Horticultural Society's Back To Nature Garden, which was open to the public at this year's Chelsea Flower Show
The Duchess is pictured selecting plants for her garden with Ms Davies +2
The Duchess is pictured selecting plants for her garden with Ms Davies
The research was carried out by the University of Exeter and led by Dr Mathew White, an environmental psychologist and senior lecturer at the college of medicine and health.
'It's well known that getting outdoors in nature can be good for people's health and wellbeing but until now we've not been able to say how much is enough,' Dr White said.
'The majority of nature visits in this research took place within just two miles of home so even visiting local urban green spaces seems to be a good thing.
'Two hours a week is hopefully a realistic target for many people, especially given that it can be spread over an entire week to get the benefit.'
