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A new international study suggests that living close to nature may do more than simply offer a pleasant view-it could help people kick unhealthy habits like smoking and daily drinking. Researchers from the University of Exeter, as part of the EU-funded BlueHealth project, have found compelling evidence that proximity to green spaces is linked to healthier lifestyle choices.
Greener Neighborhoods, Healthier Habits
The study, published in the journal Health & Place, analyzed data from nearly 19,000 adults across 18 countries. It found that people living in the greenest neighborhoods were 13% less likely to smoke and 31% less likely to drink alcohol daily compared to those in less verdant areas.
But the benefits weren’t limited to those lucky enough to live near parks or gardens. The research also showed that people who intentionally spent time in nature at least once a week were less likely to smoke, regardless of their home environment. While the effect on drinking was present, it was not as pronounced as it was for smoking.
Nature’s Calming Effect
Dr. Mat White, a co-author now at the University of Vienna, explained that nature’s calming influence may play a key role. “When people are exposed to nature, they have fewer cravings for substances like alcohol and nicotine,” he noted. “In part, we think this is because they tend to be calmer and don’t need that ‘hit,’ which helps them give up smoking, for instance.”
The study defined residential green space as any land with natural elements within 250 meters of a person’s home, including private gardens, parks, and even small patches of greenery.
Benefits for All, Regardless of Income
Crucially, the positive effects of nature exposure cut across income levels and educational backgrounds. “Our finding that nature seems to be beneficial to all in society is hugely important because it goes some way to leveling the playing field in terms of reducing health inequalities,” said lead author Dr. Leanne Martin. “We’ve found those intentional visits to nature also have huge benefits, even for people who don’t live in areas with high green space.”
Implications for Public Health
The findings point to a simple, accessible intervention for public health officials: promote green spaces and encourage regular nature visits. For individuals, the message is clear-spending time in nature could be a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
For those living in urban areas with limited access to green spaces, the researchers suggest that even occasional visits to parks or organized outings can make a difference. Creating more green spaces in city centers could also help bridge the gap.
Universal Effects
Perhaps most striking, the study found that the link between green spaces and lower smoking rates held true across all 18 countries surveyed, despite cultural and environmental differences. This suggests that nature’s health benefits are universal.
Looking Ahead
The research opens the door for further studies to explore how much nature exposure is needed to see a health effect, and whether other unhealthy habits might also be reduced by spending time outdoors.
For now, the advice is simple: visit a park, walk through a garden, or spend time in any green space. It could be more than just a relaxing break-it might be a step toward better health.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on findings from a study published in Health & Place and reported by Earth.com. The results show associations between proximity to green spaces and reduced rates of smoking and daily drinking, but do not prove causation. Individual health outcomes may vary, and spending time in nature should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for substance use disorders. For personalized health recommendations, consult a healthcare provider.
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