Why 20 minutes in the open air perks you up as much as a coffee

Why 20 minutes in the open air perks you up as much as a coffee

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 2:22 PM on 5th June 2010

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Just 20 minutes outdoors can have a better pick-me-up effect than a cup of coffee, according to psychologists.

Even without doing any physical activity, people become more energised in the open air.

A bond between the human body and the natural world makes us 'feel more alive', psychology professor Richard Ryan said.

Taking a morning walk might be more effective than that morning expresso

The researcher from the University of Rochester, New York state, added: 'Nature is fuel for the soul. Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but this suggests a better way to get energised is to connect with nature.'

His team conducted five experiments on 537 student volunteers, exposing them to a variety of active and sedentary situations inside and outside.

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Their energy levels and moods were measured throughout the day and they were also told to imagine themselves in different surroundings.

The results, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, showed a massive increase in vitality after 20 minutes outdoors, and they felt more energetic just by imagining themselves being in the fresh air.

The benefits might even extend to health. Prof Ryan added: 'People with a greater sense of vitality don't just have more energy for things they want to do, they are also more resilient to physical illnesses.

'Nature is something within which we flourish, so having it be more a part of our lives is critical, especially when we live and work in built environments.'