Green Exercise

As the title suggests, this book is about linking nature, health and well-being. Readers will be amazed at the wealth of references backing up what is basically common sense, that being in nature and exercising - such as walking - is good for mental and physical well-being. However, with our evidence-based policy-making, this volume provides a huge amount of valuable background, and is all the more relevant with increased emphasis on well-being suggesting a redefinition of prosperity to include the important factors discussed in this book. A dose of nature can elicit a positive response depending on the length of exposure, as many references show. Mood is discussed in terms of attention restoration theory, while there are many lessons to be learned from nature about the design of health buildings. We not only have green exercise, but also blue exercise associated with water and coastlines. Then there is Japanese forest bathing, which includes the scent from pine trees as well as the soothing sound of river water. In addition, nature can be involved in therapeutic interventions such as care farms and wilderness expeditions for youth at risk. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyle demands facilities for green exercise in the workplace context. The overall picture emerges in the benefits of greener and healthier economies with an emphasis on ecological public health, environmentally sustainable consumption and sustainable behaviours involving green exercise.