Greenspace Ecotherapy Interventions: The Stress-Reduction Potential of Green Micro-Breaks Integrating Nature Connection and Mind-Body Skills

Mental health is an increasingly urgent public health concern, particularly on college campuses. As such, campus decision-makers are recognizing the need to provide inviting, accessible spaces for students to relieve stress and to learn emotional self-care skills. Campus green spaces and public parks are freely available, underutilized resources that can integrate ecotherapy interventions to mitigate stress and enhance community mental health and well-being. The present study investigates the psychological impact of two short (1 and 5min) green space interventions that integrate two proven approaches to stress reduction-mind-body skills and nature exposure. The interventions are part of a developing collection of ecotherapy exercises called RESET (c) (Release Everyday Stress and Enjoy Trails), developed by Wildrock, a nonprofit nature center, to support participants in developing self-care practices in nature. To analyze the impact of the interventions, a coding schema and method for evaluation were developed and applied. Statistical and qualitative analysis of the 558 voluntary participants reveals that these simple, low-cost interventions were instantly popular and well received and had a positive psychological effect on 96% of participants who reported psychological impact, most commonly, relief from stress (82%). Overall, findings suggest that this population responds frequently and favorably when presented with an invitation and the support to participate in a short, mindful experience in nature. RESET (c) interventions may be installed in other settings-including other campuses, schools, and parks-in a matter of days, in a small outdoor green area, for around 100 dollars. Guidelines for replication and evaluation are provided and may be used with permission from Wildrock.