5 Minutes of Outdoor Exercise = Better Mental Health, More Self-Esteem

Spending just 5 minutes exercising outdoors every day can quickly and significantly improve your mental health and boost your self esteem, according to new research out of England. "Green" activities like walking, hiking, cycling, horse-riding, or even gardening appear to boost the mood greatly and improve a sense of overall well-being, even when done in small amounts.

According to one researcher:

"We believe that there would be a large potential benefit to individuals, society and to the costs of the health service if all groups of people were to self-medicate more with green exercise."

All natural outdoor environments appear to be beneficial, including city parks. But areas with water have the most positive mental health effects!

Learn some mo': Five minutes in the green can boost self esteem