Stress at work has become a global public health issue. Its impact on mental and physical health hurts productivity and results in economic loss. Fortunately, a new study published in the journal, Public Health in Practice, indicates that people who regularly take walks in forests or greenspaces may have higher stress-coping abilities.

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba analyzed workers’ “sense of coherence” (or SOC) scores, demographic attributes, and their forest/greenspace walking habits.  SOC comprises the triad including finding a sense of meaning in life, recognizing and understanding stress, and feeling equipped to deal with stress.  Studies have found factors such as higher education and being married can strengthen SOC, while smoking and not exercising can weaken it. People with strong SOC also have greater resilience to stress. 

The study used survey data on more than 6,000 Japanese workers between 20 and 60 years old. And it found stronger SOC among people who regularly took walks in forests or greenspaces. 

SOC indicates mental capacities for realizing and dealing with stress. With workplace stress as a focal issue, there’s a clear benefit in identifying everyday activities that raise SOC. 

People find comfort in nature, and in countries like Japan where nature isn’t always readily accessible, urban greenspaces are increasing in popularity. This means many workers in cities can easily take a walk among the trees.

The researchers divided the survey respondents into four groups based on their frequency of forest or greenspace walking. Then, they compared their walking activity against attributes such as age, income, and marital status, and with the respondents’ SOC scores, which were grouped as weak, middle, and strong.

The study showed a significant correlation between forest or greenspace walking at least once a week and strong SOC. This key finding demonstrates the socioeconomic benefits of urban greening.