Dr Valerie Gladwell

Nature has beneficial effects that help us cope with stress at work, according to new research at the University of Essex funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The research, conducted by Dr Valerie Gladwell at the School of Biological Sciences, highlights the power of the 'great outdoors' to improve both physiological and psychological wellbeing.

Dr Gladwell said: “The value of nature has long been considered to be advantageous to human health. Early examples of this come in the form of urban parks established by wealthy philanthropists during the 19th century, and in the gardens incorporated into hospital designs. Our research supports this, demonstrating an association between improved health outcomes and engagement with surrounding 'green space'."

See the full press release on the ESRC website.