Spending more time with nature has been proven to have various mental health benefits. Aside from its calming effect that could decrease stress levels, exploring the natural side of the earth also reduces depression and anxiety and improves a person's memory and focus as well.
The Huffington Post Reports a new study conducted by experts in University of Montana suggests that taking a hike or going camping may also help fight addiction and impulsivity. According to researchers, nature gives a prolonged time perception that could improve a person's self-control.
For the experiment, two groups of 45 undergraduates were shown a series of images of either natural or man-made environments. The participants' impulsivity was then measured in a question asking which they would prefer: a $50 reward given instantly or $100 at a much later time.
Furthermore, researchers also measured the students' time perception by asking them to estimate the length of time passed within several seconds.
Results have shown that those who viewed pictures of mountains, forests and lakes exercised more self-control than those who looked at cities, buildings and roads since those who viewed man-made structures were more-likely to go for the immediate reward.
Experts also found out that those who looked at natural images significantly perceived time to go more slowly than those who viewed urban structures.
"When our perception of time is expanded, this may help to bridge the gap between present choices and future consequences," university psychologist Dr. Meredith Berry told The Huffington Post in an email. "Such expanded time perception may enable us to favor long-term healthier behaviors, rather than immediate gratification."
Berry, who is one of the study's authors added: "This line of research does provide initial evidence that exposure to natural environments beneficially influences how we make future-oriented decisions."
"This influence -- which highlights decisions for long-term benefit -- is particularly relevant for individuals with substance abuse disorders for increasing choices that favor long-term health," she said. "A nature-based treatment component may be a valuable addition to standard therapies for individuals struggling with substance abuse."
The researchers are planning to conduct further research to find significant applications in combatting addictions and improve health behaviors.
