The Importance of Spending Time in Nature
With spring in full bloom and warmer days ahead, it's the perfect time to reflect on how being in nature can support our mental well-being. Research shows that even short periods—just 10 to 30 minutes—spent sitting outdoors and observing natural surroundings can lead to meaningful reductions in stress markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels (Meredith et al., 2020). Participants also reported feeling calmer and more refreshed. Many researchers believe that time in green spaces promotes psychological restoration by easing mental fatigue and emotional strain—essentially, nature provides a mental reset (Callaghan et al., 2020).
The City of Edmonton has acknowledged the value of green spaces through its Breathe strategy—an initiative aimed at increasing access to parks and natural areas in communities throughout the city (City of Edmonton, 2025). The goal is to enhance residents' well-being by expanding open and green spaces across Edmonton’s neighbourhoods. You can find walking and cycling trails near you on their website (see below for link).
Not a fan of walking or cycling? Consider renting a motorized scooter and exploring the river valley that way. You could also plan a relaxing picnic in a park, bring along a good book, pack some art supplies, or simply take a blanket and soak up the sunshine. One of the best things about Edmonton’s parks is how well they’re maintained—many even offer accessible washrooms to make your visit more comfortable.
Spending time in nature doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as finding a quiet green space and giving yourself permission to slow down. Whether you’re looking to ease stress, recharge mentally, or simply enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, Edmonton’s parks and trails offer a variety of accessible ways to reconnect with nature. As we move through the seasons, let’s make the most of the natural spaces around us.
References
Callaghan, A., McCombe, G., Harrold, A., McMeel, C., Mills, G., Moore-Cherry, N., & Cullen, W. (2020). The impact of green spaces on mental health in urban settings: A scoping review. Journal of Mental Health, 30(2), 179–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2020.1755027
City of Edmonton. (2025). Breathe: Green network strategy. https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/initiatives_innovation/breathe
City of Edmonton. (2025). Community walking maps. https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/cycling_walking/community-walking-maps
Meredith, G. R., Rakow, D. A., Eldermire, E. R. B., Madsen, C. G., Shelley, S. P., & Sachs, N. A. (2020). Minimum time dose in nature to positively impact the mental health of
college-aged students, and how to measure it: A scoping review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 2942. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02942