Nature Walks for Stress Management

Overseen By Leticia Marquez-Magana, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: Charlotte Tate

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Prisoners, Cognitive impairment

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

200 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether spending time in nature can reduce stress in specific communities, potentially addressing health inequalities. Participants will first join community walks in a beautiful redwood forest for six months, followed by three months of nature activities with family or friends. Researchers aim to determine if these activities, part of the Reclaiming Nature Intervention, can lower stress that contributes to health issues. The trial seeks individuals who are 18 or older, can walk, speak English, Spanish, or Tagalog, and can commit to the full nine-month program. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a unique opportunity to be among the first to explore the benefits of nature on stress reduction.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that the Reclaiming Nature Intervention is likely to be safe for humans?

Research shows that spending time in nature is safe and can significantly reduce stress. Studies have found that natural settings lower stress levels and improve overall health. For instance, one study discovered that walking in nature effectively reduces anxiety and lifts mood. Another study noted that being in nature helps reduce stress and even speeds up healing.

These findings suggest that the Reclaiming Nature Intervention, which includes nature walks and activities, is likely safe and well-received. Similar nature-based activities have not reported major negative effects. Overall, evidence supports spending time in nature as a safe way to manage stress and enhance well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Reclaiming Nature Intervention because it offers a fresh, holistic approach to stress management that differs from typical options like medication or therapy. This treatment emphasizes the healing power of nature by engaging participants in guided nature walks, which can reduce stress levels naturally without pharmaceutical intervention. Unlike standard treatments, which can take weeks to show effectiveness, the calming effects of nature walks can be felt immediately, providing an accessible and side-effect-free alternative for combating stress.

What evidence suggests that the Reclaiming Nature Intervention could be effective for stress management?

Research shows that spending time in nature can greatly reduce stress. Studies have found that being in nature lowers stress hormones like cortisol and helps clear the mind. In one study, people who spent time outdoors felt less stressed and more focused. Another study found that these activities also improve overall well-being and quality of life. Evidence suggests that nature-based activities, such as the Reclaiming Nature Intervention studied in this trial, might effectively manage stress and boost mental health. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who speak English, Spanish, or Tagalog and can walk. They must commit to a 9-month program involving nature walks and activities. It's not for pregnant individuals, prisoners, or those with cognitive impairments.

Inclusion Criteria

I can commit to a 9-month nature-based activity program.

You are fluent in English, Spanish or Tagalog.

I can walk on my own.

Exclusion Criteria

Prisoners

I am currently pregnant.

I have cognitive impairment.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Community Nature Walks

Participants engage in community nature walks in a pristine redwood forest

6 months

Regular group walks

Chosen Nature Activities

Participants engage in chosen nature activities with family and/or friends

3 months

Self-directed activities

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for biological and behavioral outcomes post-intervention

3 months

Immediate post-intervention and 3 months after

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Reclaiming Nature Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests if community nature walks followed by chosen nature activities can reduce stress in Black, Latinx, Pilipinx, and Pacific Islander groups to prevent health disparities using biological and behavioral measures.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Waitlist Control Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Waitlist control; all participants receive the treatment but are in a control condition prior to the treatment

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Charlotte Tate

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

200+

University of California, San Francisco

Collaborator

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Group walks in natural environments, particularly farmland and green corridors, are linked to lower perceived stress and negative emotions, as well as improved mental well-being among participants (n = 708).

While walking in natural settings showed benefits for stress and emotional health, there were no significant differences in effects on depression or positive emotions compared to urban environments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Walking for well-being: are group walks in certain types of natural environments better for well-being than group walks in urban environments? Marselle, MR., Irvine, KN., Warber, SL.[2021]

Nature gardens can provide benefits comparable to cognitive-behavioral therapy for individuals on sick leave due to stress-related illnesses, suggesting a natural approach to mental health management.

Further pragmatic trials are needed to explore the specific processes and additional health and environmental benefits that nature gardens can offer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Are we ready to use nature gardens to treat stress-related illnesses? Coventry, PA., White, PCL.[2019]

A nine-month study using semi-structured surveys revealed that nature-based therapy groups in a psychiatric inpatient setting enhanced patients' sensory experiences, social interactions, and self-care practices.

Patients reported various benefits from engaging with nature, leading to a deeper understanding of how these activities positively impact mental health, which supports the development of a theoretical model for nature-based programming in mental health care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nature-based Group Therapy Reflections: A Grounded Theory Study. Carlson, K., Kingsley, J., Strimaitis, C., et al.[2021]

Participants in a nature-based intervention program reported significant improvements in their well-being and reduced stress-related exhaustion, indicating the potential efficacy of such programs for stress-related illnesses.

The study highlighted that the calming environment of nature and the supportive community on the farm helped participants feel understood and confident, suggesting that nature-based interventions could be a valuable complement to traditional treatments for stress.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Experiences of a nature-based intervention program in a northern natural setting: A longitudinal case study of two women with stress-related illness. Johansson, G., Engström, Å., Juuso, P.[2022]

Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) has been found to provide positive health effects for patients with long-standing stress-related mental disorders, based on a synthesis of 5 studies with moderate to high quality.

Patients reported benefits such as instilling calm and joy, meeting their needs, gaining new insights, and experiencing personal growth, indicating that spending time in nature can aid in their recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nature-Based Rehabilitation for Patients with Long-Standing Stress-Related Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of Patients' Experiences. Bergenheim, A., Ahlborg, G., Bernhardsson, S.[2021]

Nature-based interventions (NBIs), such as gardening and green exercise, significantly improve mental health outcomes in adults, including reducing depressive mood and anxiety, based on a systematic review of 50 studies involving various formats and durations.

The most effective NBIs were conducted over 8 to 12 weeks, with sessions lasting between 20 to 90 minutes, indicating a structured approach is key to maximizing their benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Coventry, PA., Brown, JE., Pervin, J., et al.[2021]

The nature-assisted rehabilitation program significantly reduced healthcare consumption among 118 patients with severe stress reactions and mild to moderate depression, particularly in outpatient and inpatient psychiatric visits.

While the program showed benefits in reducing healthcare needs, it did not result in significant changes in sick-leave status compared to a matched control group of 678 individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nature-assisted rehabilitation for reactions to severe stress and/or depression in a rehabilitation garden: long-term follow-up including comparisons with a matched population-based reference cohort. Währborg, P., Petersson, IF., Grahn, P.[2018]

Nature-based interventions (NBIs), such as garden and forest activities, have been shown to effectively reduce stress and improve health and well-being for individuals with stress-related illnesses, based on a review of 25 studies.

These interventions not only promote relaxation and restoration but also enhance self-efficacy and work ability, suggesting that spending time in nature can be a valuable alternative treatment for stress-related conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nature-based interventions to promote health for people with stress-related illness: An integrative review. Johansson, G., Juuso, P., Engström, Å.[2022]

A randomized controlled trial involving 84 participants found that both nature-based therapy (NBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (STreSS) significantly improved psychological well-being and reduced burnout, with effects lasting for 12 months.

There was no significant difference in efficacy between NBT and STreSS, suggesting that both therapies are equally effective for treating stress-related illnesses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of nature-based therapy for individuals with stress-related illnesses: randomised controlled trial. Stigsdotter, UK., Corazon, SS., Sidenius, U., et al.[2019]

A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven studies found that nature walks significantly improve mental health, particularly reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The analysis included data from six experiments, confirming the effectiveness of nature walks through both pre- and post-test comparisons and between experimental and control groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature Walk as an Intervention for Anxiety and Depression. Grassini, S.[2022]

The SHINE intervention aims to reduce stress and promote health among low-income families by encouraging contact with nature, utilizing a randomized controlled trial design with caregiver-child dyads from a pediatric primary care center.

Participants in the intervention group receive additional support, including case management and group outings to parks, which will be evaluated for their impact on caregiver stress and other health-related outcomes over three months.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design and evaluation of a park prescription program for stress reduction and health promotion in low-income families: The Stay Healthy in Nature Everyday (SHINE) study protocol. Razani, N., Kohn, MA., Wells, NM., et al.[2018]

The study analyzed 406 individuals to identify three health clusters based on perceived stress and age: Low-stress Youth (ages 16-24), Low-stress Seniors (ages 65+), and High-stress Mid-Age (ages 25-44), highlighting how stress levels vary across different age groups.

Coping strategies for stress differ by age, with younger individuals benefiting from social interactions and outdoor activities in green spaces, while older adults and middle-aged individuals tend to prefer staying at home, indicating that local green space may not effectively support stress regulation for all age groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coping with Stress in Deprived Urban Neighborhoods: What Is the Role of Green Space According to Life Stage? Roe, JJ., Aspinall, PA., Ward Thompson, C.[2020]

Citations

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Nature–Based Interventions for Improving Health and ... Reduce pain and stress, potentially leading to improved healing time and mental health, quality of life, wellbeing, reduced agitation for patients with dementia ...

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The effectiveness of nature-based therapy for community ... Meta-analysis findings reveal that exposure to nature has stress-relieving effects, indicated by decreased cortisol levels, self-reported stress ...

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Effect of nature-based health interventions for individuals ... This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of NBHIs for individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression and/or experiencing stress.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1625294/full

Nature-based interventions: a systematic review of reviews Background: Nature-based interventions are emerging as an alternative to therapeutic approaches aimed to reduce and prevent mental and physical ailments.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9790340/

Nature‐based interventions to promote health for people ... NBIs offer restoration that reduces stress, improves health and well‐being and strengthen self‐efficacy and work ability.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1618866720307494

The effect of exposure to the natural environment on stress ... These measurements provide the most convincing evidence that exposure to the natural environment can lead to stress reduction, and ultimately improve health.

8. apa.org apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

Nurtured by nature Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and ...

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/7/4015

Effect of Nature Walks on Depression and Anxiety Findings indicate that nature walks may be effective for mental health, especially for reducing state anxiety.