Walk in wonder!

Taking a stroll in a forest today can not only lift your mood, it can make it easier to cope with stress, say researchers in Japan. In their study of more than 6,000 people ages 20 to 60, those who walked in green spaces at least once a month had a stronger sense of meaning in life and felt more equipped to deal with stress than those who didn’t walk.

“Since spending a long time in a closed space is close to sensory deprivation, we believe a green space that stimulates the senses can balance the brain,” says researcher Shin-ichiro Sasahara, PH.D. His advice: “Start with a walk in a forest or green space a few times a month. If you’re happy with the results, continue to do it at least once a week.”