A new survey has found that Brits need just 24 minutes in nature to start feeling happier and more relaxed, with the nation's ultimate natural high costing absolutely nothing.
Top natural pleasures revealed
Listening to waves crashing on the shore was named by 52% of Britons as one of life's most blissful natural pleasures. Looking at the stars on a clear night, smelling the air after rainfall and spotting the first signs of spring also provide some of life's biggest free mood boosts.
The study of 2,000 adults, commissioned by cruelty-free beauty firm Faith in Nature to celebrate its first TV advertising campaign, BEES R GOOD, found 69% believe even a few minutes outside can improve their mood.
Nature's impact on wellbeing
More than half say being in nature is key to happiness, while 62% get an instant mood boost from getting back to nature. And 61% say escaping outdoors helps them switch off from the bigger pressures of everyday life.
Brits also love the smell of woodland, walking through crunchy autumn leaves, feeling the autumn sun on their face and seeing a rainbow. Even thunderstorms make the cut, with 32% loving nothing more than listening to one while tucked up safely in bed.
Generation differences and barriers
Millennials appear particularly keen to get their nature fix, with 65% of 30-44 year olds saying getting outside helps them switch off from everyday pressures, compared with 55% of Gen Z adults aged 18-29.
Yet seven in ten British adults admit they don't spend as much time in nature as they would like. Long working hours, too much screen time and avoiding the rain are among the biggest barriers.
Hannah Whittaker, Managing Director at Faith In Nature said: “There is something incredibly powerful about the simple things nature gives us – whether that’s diving into the sea, watching a sunset, feeling the rain on your face or just getting outside and taking a moment away from a screen.
“Nature doesn’t need to be overcomplicated, it’s good for us, it makes us feel good and sometimes we just need reminding to get out there and enjoy it.”
