Richmond, United States: Finding time to spend outdoors can be difficult for people balancing a traditional 9-to-5 job. Long commutes, meetings and hours spent in front of screens often leave little opportunity to connect with nature.
However, a growing body of research suggests that nature's benefits do not require hiking trips or weekend getaways. Even brief, regular interactions with green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood and support overall well-being.
A researcher who spent the spring of 2026 teaching and studying urban landscapes in Denmark observed how people integrated nature into their everyday routines. Rather than treating parks as destinations for special occasions, many used them for lunch breaks, social gatherings, commuting or simply taking a few quiet moments during the day.
According to the researcher, Denmark's outdoor culture is shaped not only by well-planned parks but also by the way green spaces are woven into daily life.
Everyday parks can offer everyday benefits
Research linking time in nature with improved health has increasingly influenced public policy. In the United States, initiatives such as the National Park Service's Healthy Parks Healthy People and ParkRx programmes recognise the role parks can play in improving public health.
While many people associate parks with famous national parks such as Yellowstone or Yosemite, researchers argue that smaller local parks may deliver greater public health benefits because they are easier to visit regularly.
Research on US Civil War battlefield parks suggests these landscapes, many located near major cities, preserve forests, grasslands and walking trails that people can access without extensive travel. Their convenience makes it easier for people to incorporate nature into everyday life.
Designing spaces that encourage outdoor time
At the University of Richmond, a stream restoration project evolved into the Eco-Corridor, a landscape featuring walking paths, seating areas, gathering spaces, flowing streams and native vegetation.
The project was designed to support biodiversity and improve water quality while encouraging students, staff and faculty to spend time outdoors between classes, meetings or during lunch breaks.
The researchers found that thoughtful landscape design can make spending time in nature feel like a natural part of everyday routines rather than an additional activity.
A mindset that values nature
The article also highlights the Scandinavian concept of friluftsliv, which refers to embracing life outdoors and encouraging regular time in nature.
Supporting evidence includes a study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic involving international students in Berlin, which found that frequent visits to nearby parks improved emotional well-being and strengthened social connections.
In Copenhagen, therapists and educators also use specially designed forests and therapeutic gardens to help people recover from stress by encouraging slower, more mindful engagement with nature.
Researchers note that while urban environments differ across countries, even a short visit to a nearby park can provide similar benefits.
A 2026 study in Raleigh, North Carolina, found that college students who spent just 10 minutes sitting on a bench listening to birdsong reported feeling less stressed and emotionally refreshed.
Five simple ways to spend more time in nature
Researchers suggest several practical ways to incorporate nature into everyday life:
The researchers conclude that improving mental well-being through nature does not necessarily require major lifestyle changes. Instead, small and consistent habits, such as spending a few minutes outdoors each day, can make a meaningful difference.