At first glance, the fact that four out of five Americans live in urban areas might seem like a forgettable statistic—until you consider what we’re giving up in exchange for that convenience. In the past century, we’ve traded proximity to nature for proximity to Wi-Fi, coffee shops, and corner wine bars. But the shift hasn’t come without a cost.
Modern cities offer the height of culture and connection—museums, restaurants, concerts, and career opportunities. Yet despite their endless amenities, cities often lack something elemental: easy access to the natural world. And while that may sound like a small sacrifice for a front-row seat to modern life, emerging science paints a different picture.
Time in nature isn’t just a quaint pastime reserved for hikers and birdwatchers. It’s medicine.
Nature as Therapy—No Prescription Required
We now know that spending time outdoors has profound impacts on human health—especially mental health. Study after study has shown that regular exposure to green space improves nearly every metric we care about: mood, focus, anxiety levels, and even recovery after surgery. It’s not just that nature feels good—it actually helps us function better.
This post is the first in a two-part series exploring the powerful link between nature and wellness. Today, we’ll look at the mental health benefits of reconnecting with the natural world—and why it should be part of every sophisticated travel itinerary.
1. Nature Dramatically Reduces Stress Hormones
The idea that a walk in the park can clear your head isn’t just folklore—it’s science.
A 2019 study from the University of Michigan found that just 20 to 30 minutes spent outdoors led to a 21% drop in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. And the best part? It doesn’t require a three-hour hike or a yoga retreat in Bali. Just twenty minutes outdoors—whether it’s a stroll through a botanical garden, a beachside walk, or reading a book under a tree—is enough to lower stress and restore a sense of calm.
2. Lack of Green Space = Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression
One of the most compelling findings in recent years is that people who live further from green space are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and generalized stress. A Danish study revealed that residents who lived more than a kilometer from a green space were significantly more likely to report high levels of stress than those living within 300 meters of one.
In a separate study involving identical twins in Wisconsin, those who lived in greener neighborhoods reported better overall mental health—even when controlling for income, education, and genetics. The implication is clear: nature matters.
3. It’s Not Just Exercise—It’s the Environment
What’s fascinating is that the benefits of time outdoors appear to be tied more to the environment than the activity itself. While physical activity is good for us, researchers have found similar mood-boosting and anxiety-lowering effects in people who simply sat in natural settings.
In Japan, a 15-minute walk in the woods—as opposed to a city street—lowered participants’ anxiety levels, heart rate, and fight-or-flight nervous system activity. Another study found similar results when people sat in nature without moving. So even if you’re not in the mood for cardio, your nervous system still reaps the rewards just by being in the right place.
4. The View from Your Window Matters More Than You Think
One of the most striking studies in this field came from a Southern Michigan state prison. Inmates whose cells faced trees were 24% less likely to become ill—physically or mentally—compared to those with views of brick walls.
Think about that for a moment. Even seeing nature, without stepping into it, can improve psychological well-being. Now apply that logic to your travel routine: your hotel room, your workcation rental, your vacation villa. If your space overlooks water, greenery, or open sky—your mind will thank you.
5. How Much Nature is Enough?
Researchers have found that the mental health benefits of nature become measurable at around 120 minutes per week, with the sweet spot falling between 200 and 300 minutes weekly. That’s just 2–5 hours. It doesn’t matter whether you spend it in one long outdoor session or break it up into shorter walks throughout the week.
In the JetSet lifestyle, that could look like:
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Morning beach walks in Tulum
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A garden-side espresso in Florence
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Fifteen minutes on a shaded terrace between meetings in Singapore
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A nature trail run in Cape Town before your next flight
The key is consistency and intentionality.
Your Travel Itinerary Needs a Dose of Green
At JetSet Meds, we believe that health and travel go hand in hand—and wellness doesn’t stop at TSA. That’s why we equip travelers with essentials to stay physically protected on the road, but we also advocate for holistic well-being that includes the mental reset only nature can provide.
So as you plan your next escape—whether it’s a high-altitude adventure or a luxury safari—don’t forget to carve out time for nature. It doesn’t require a passport stamp or a four-hour hike. Just 20 minutes a day, outdoors, with no phone in hand.
The Bottom Line
Nature is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. From reducing cortisol to improving emotional resilience, green space has a profound and measurable impact on our mental well-being. Whether you’re chasing adventure across the globe or simply walking through a nearby park, don’t overlook the healing power of the natural world.
Let your travels be more than movement. Let them restore you.
Travel Well.