If only cravings always came in the form of something that would increase your health and well-being. Craving vegetables, sunshine, exercise or water? No problem! Unfortunately, many — if not most — cravings tend to push you toward something on the opposite side of health. Candy, junk food, alcohol, cigarettes — you know you shouldn’t give in, but the urge can be hard to beat. If you struggle with cravings, you’ve probably researched tips and tricks to help them pass without caving in. According to a new study, there’s something new you should try to help you beat them, and it’s surprisingly simple.
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In a study led by the University of Plymouth, researchers discovered that being able to view nature can help decrease cravings for alcohol, cigarettes and harmful foods. It’s the first study to show that even slight exposure to nature, such as looking out a window, is linked to weaker and less frequent cravings.
Researchers measured variables such as the amount of greenspace in a person’s neighborhood, the availability of green views from their home, their access to a garden or green space and the frequency of which they used public greenspaces. They found that having access to a garden or having a home view of which more than 25% was greenspace was linked to less frequent cravings and lower strength cravings.
Lead researcher Leanna Martin explained, “It has been known for some time that being outdoors in nature is linked to a person's well-being. But for there to be a similar association with cravings from simply being able to see green spaces adds a new dimension to previous research. This is the first study to explore this idea, and it could have a range of implications for both public health and environmental protection programs in the future."
While certainly an added benefit, reducing cravings is far from the only reason to spend time in nature. Studies have linked exposure to greenspace with significant health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and heart rate, decreased symptoms of depression, fatigue and anxiety, improved mood and improved immunity, just to name a few.