BTN News: The “Activate with Nature” program has shown amazing results in improving emotional well-being and mental health. This comes from a recent study by the NAT (Nature-Activity-Therapy) research group at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Started by Dipsalut, the Public Health Agency of the Girona Provincial Council, the program aimed to see how guided physical activity in nature helps people. The study shows positive effects on participants’ emotional health, social connections, and love for nature. It confirms that the program is good for promoting long-term physical activity and mental well-being.
The “Activate with Nature” Program Has a Big Positive Impact on Emotional Well-Being
Maria Puig Ferrer, Vice President of the Girona Provincial Council and President of Dipsalut, spoke about the big benefits of the “Activate with Nature” program. She said that ongoing guided physical activity sessions in nature improve emotional well-being, social bonds, and connection with the environment. The program helps a lot with emotional health, making it a good recommendation for health professionals.
Immediate Benefits to Emotions and Thinking from Physical Activity in Nature
Dr. Antoni Sanz Ruiz, the study’s coordinator, talked about the quick benefits seen during the guided physical activities. People felt less tired and less stressed from the first sessions. Their mood, emotional control, and self-belief improved greatly.
Self-Belief is Very Important for Long-Term Success of the Program
Dr. Sanz said self-belief is very important for two reasons. First, it is a key part of self-esteem, which helps with emotional well-being and stopping mental disorders. Second, self-belief motivates people to keep doing healthy activities, making sure they stick to the program and keep living a healthy lifestyle with physical activity in nature.
The Program Has Positive Long-Term Benefits on Emotional Well-Being
The study also found long-term benefits from the “Activate with Nature” program. Dr. Sanz said the program’s positive effect on emotional well-being lasts beyond the individual sessions. Over six months, the program’s twenty sessions helped participants’ daily lives. They showed better progress in quality of life, personal growth, sense of coherence, and self-esteem compared to the control group.
Group Activities and Professional Guidance Improve Results Greatly
Maria Estrada Ocón, Head of the Health Promotion, Well-being, and People Care Area at Dipsalut, said it is very important to do physical activities in green spaces with professional guidance. The program shows the need for continuous initiatives that encourage people to do physical activity in nature on their own, making sure these good effects last in daily life.
Future Plans to Study More Benefits of Nature Therapy
Dipsalut’s President, Maria Puig, announced plans for a new study. This will be done with the Nat Group and the Forest Therapy Hub team to look at the health and well-being impacts of forest bathing in the “Activate with Nature” program. This new plan aims to explore more about nature’s role in health, getting the community involved in protecting nearby natural spaces and creating healthy, sustainable areas.
Promoting Health Through Nature and Physical Activity Programs
In 2021, Dipsalut joined the Declaration on the Interdependence of Health and Nature in Catalonia. This effort was led by groups like the Nature Conservation Network (XCN) and Som Natura. It aimed to include planetary health ideas in public health promotion. The pandemic sped up the use of nearby natural places for physical activities, making programs like “Activate with Nature” more needed.
Study Shows Program’s Success and Suggests More Nature Prescriptions
The NAT-Dipsalut study, which ran for twelve months, included a controlled clinical trial with two groups: one participating in the program and one not. The study gave strong evidence that guided physical activity in nature is very helpful, suggesting more “green prescriptions” in healthcare.
The program is part of initiatives like Healthy Parks, Healthy People Europe, led by the EUROPARC Federation. This aims to improve public health and reduce health inequalities by using parks and protected areas. By promoting good attitudes toward nature, the program helps public health and environmental conservation.
Conclusion: Nature Helps Us Live Healthier Lives
The “Activate with Nature” program shows the importance of using nature in public health plans. Promoting ongoing physical activity in nature can help long-term physical and emotional well-being. It also helps people connect with the environment and live sustainably. As the program grows, it will greatly help public health and environmental awareness, encouraging communities to use nature for a healthier future.
