We have assessed the role the environment plays in the effectiveness of exercise for mental well-being with members of local Mind groups. Members participated in both a green outdoor walk and an indoor shopping-mall walk, both of which were for the same amount of time. Improvements in self-esteem and mood were significantly greater following the green outdoor walk in comparison to the equivalent indoor walk, especially for feelings of anger, depression and tension.
After the green outdoor walk 92% of participants felt less depressed; 86% less tense; 81% less angry; 80% less fatigued; 79% less confused and 56% more vigorous. In total, 88% experienced an overall improvement in their mood and 90% of participants reported improved levels of self-esteem. Figure 1 highlights the contrasting results after participating in the indoor shopping walk.
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