If you want to feel happier, just spend 20 minutes in nature

Noel Kirkpatrick

Photo: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images

Nature soothes our stressed-out souls. We instinctively know nature is the best prescription, but new research is revealing how little time we need to set aside to reap the benefits.

In one new study, published April 4 in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, researchers tried to identify the most effective “dose” of nature within the context of normal daily life. As more doctors prescribe nature experiences for stress relief and other health benefits — sometimes referred to as a “nature pill” — the study’s authors hoped to clarify the details of these treatments. More biophilia is generally better for us, but since not everyone can spend all day in deep wilderness, the study looked for a sweet spot…