A new study conducted by outdoor experts AllTrails and Unyoked has found there is one simple way to help reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, running around at a million miles an hour resulting in burn out. 

But what if there was a simple way to prevent this? The good news... there is.

AllTrails and Unyoked study reveals the one simple way to reduce stress and improve wellbeing

The Global Nature Study is a collaboration between Unyoked, the pioneering nature start-up, and AllTrails, the world’s most popular and trusted platform for outdoor exploration (and named Apple's iPhone App of the Year in 2023).

How much time do you spend out in nature?How much time do you spend out in nature? (Image: Dan Casson)

The study tested the impact of nature immersion in three key areas: overall wellbeing, burnout and connectedness to nature.

Over eight months, 407 study participants stayed in Unyoked cabins - in locations ranging from the Australian bush to the Welsh mountains – and immersed themselves in their natural surroundings, using AllTrails to navigate and hike. 

The study found that time spent in nature had a profound impact on participants’ wellbeing.

In most cases it was found to have a greater positive impact than other established wellness interventions such as meditation, yoga, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 

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Key findings from the study included:

  • 95% of participants reported improved wellbeing after their nature stay
  • Overall wellbeing increased by 12.7%
  • Nature stays decreased burnout by 16.1%
  • Participants connection to nature increased by 10.4%

AllTrails Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller, said: “The results from AllTrails and Unyoked are encouraging as an initial investigation into the benefits of sustained time outside.

"Mental health and burnout are huge challenges for many people, and nature can help us recover and heal.

"Time outside can be beneficial in counteracting anxiety and depression, aiding good sleep, and reducing stress—whether it’s a week off-grid or a daily habit of finding time on the trail.”

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How to add more nature into your life

The findings of the Global Nature Study showed the profound impact that nature immersion can have on mental wellbeing, burnout levels, and our connection to the natural world.

With this in mind AllTrails and Unyoked have come up with three ways to help add more nature to your life:

  • Prioritise escaping into nature - even short stays can yield significant benefits for your mental health and overall quality of life
  • Make nature discovery a daily activity - integrate nature into your daily routine and utilise the AllTrails app to uncover hidden gems in your own back garden or in new destinations
  • Practise mindful immersion - when in nature, fully engage your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you (this awareness amplifies the positive effects on your wellbeing)

Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Unyoked, Cam Grant, added: “Our goal at Unyoked is to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone, so more people can reap these benefits and develop a stronger connection to nature.

“We want people to consider time in nature the same way they might consider going to the gym or checking in with a friend, it should be a daily priority for their wellness and something they allocate time for within their busy schedules."