Spending time in green spaces can reduce cravings that contribute to behaviors like smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating. This, from researchers at the University of Plymouth’s School of Psychology.
This study administered a survey that asked participants about green space exposure including the proportion of green space in an individual’s neighborhood, views of green spaces from their home, access to a garden, and their frequency at public green spaces.
The survey went on to ask participants questions that explored possible relationships between these aspects of nature exposure, various cravings, and negative emotions.
Researchers found that garden access reduced craving strength and frequency. They also saw that neighborhoods with 25% greenspace had similar effects.
This study suggests that more exposure to green spaces can lower cravings. Researchers plan to look into how green spaces can be used to help individuals with problematic cravings, like smoking or drinking.
Source:
Martin, L., Pahl, S., White, M. P., & May, J. (2019). Natural environments and craving: The mediating role of negative affect. Health & Place. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829218308451?via%3Dihub
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