Spring's blooming flowers and chirping birds make it the perfect season to visit parks. Recently, the "20-Minute Park Effect" has taken social media by storm.

Advocates say spending just 20 minutes in a park, soaking up nature's benefits, can significantly improve one's state of mind—even without exercise.

This low-cost stress-relief method has been widely embraced, with users sharing their experiences and describing it as "effective," "healing," and "surprisingly impactful." The trend of taking brief, restorative breaks in parks has gained popularity among workers, even earning the nickname "a quick recharge for modern souls."

What Is the "20-Minute Park Effect"?

Does a park really have such transformative power? The "20-Minute Park Effect" originated from a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research. The study concluded that spending a brief amount of time outdoors daily could make people happier. Simply staying in a park or a natural setting for 20 minutes, even without engaging in physical activity, was shown to significantly reduce stress.

The term "park" here isn't limited to sprawling urban parks. It includes workplace gardens, green spaces near office buildings, and small community greens. Unlike the more ceremonial park outings during holidays, the "20-minute" approach emphasizes casual, accessible interactions with nature.

Green therapy: The Twenty Minutes in the Park Effect on Mental Health

Video by YuEr326

Many have tested the theory themselves by carving out 20 minutes during lunch or after work to visit a park. Social media is brimming with success stories: "It really works," "Totally worth it," and "Helped with burnout." As temperatures rise, more people are sharing their experiences, fueling the trend’s popularity and offering personal insights.

One user described the calming experience of sitting amidst the trees, likening it to an expansive escape. Another reflected on how observing a flowing river helped them realize that, like the river’s subtle changes, life also quietly evolves. A third likened park visits to miniature, aimless journeys that uncover joy in the ordinary.

Hu, a local resident, shared how he uses his lunch breaks to sit on a park bench near his workplace. Whether admiring flowers or simply closing his eyes to rest, he feels these moments help him escape the stress of office life. For 20 minutes, Hu can disconnect from emails and messages. It’s like life is truly Hu's own again.

Nature’s Healing Powers

The "20-Minute Park Effect" has gained momentum online, but its benefits are backed by science. Hu Xiaohui, a neurology specialist at Xi'an Red Cross Hospital, explained that being in nature lowers cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone. Natural environments also help relax the brain's control center, the prefrontal cortex, much like massaging overworked muscles. This relaxation boosts dopamine levels, enhancing feelings of joy.

Psychiatrist Li Dian from the same hospital noted that nature's sights and sounds capture gentle attention, helping alleviate cognitive fatigue caused by prolonged focus. This serene atmosphere can suppress negative emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. Li affirmed, "Stepping into nature—whether sitting quietly, jogging, or strolling with family—offers a proven way to support mental and physical health."

Other stress-relief methods, such as watching calming videos or playing with sensory toys, have also been embraced by younger generations. While effective for short-term relaxation, Li cautioned against over-reliance on these external tools. For persistent stress, professional mental health support is essential.

Li also suggested rethinking stress as a way to cultivate resilience. Diversion strategies like indulging in favorite foods, shopping, or enjoying activities with friends, such as movies or karaoke, can provide temporary relief while allowing the mind to reset.

Parks Are Coming Closer to Home

For urban dwellers juggling fast-paced lives and mounting stress, finding moments to connect with nature often feels like a luxury. But instead of driving to remote countryside spots, city parks offer an accessible alternative. They require little effort or time to reach, making them a highly cost-effective option for relaxation.

Accessibility is key to practicing the "20-Minute Park Effect." In Xi’an, more residents are noticing new parks sprouting up close to their homes. From pocket parks and micro-greens to street-corner gardens, compact and thoughtfully designed urban green spaces are becoming more prevalent, providing nearby havens for residents.

Additionally, improved park management has made these spaces more inviting. Enhanced facilities, cleaner environments, and quieter surroundings make parks ideal for leisurely strolls or peaceful moments. Local resident Xie praised the changes: “The parks near home are stunning. In spring, only need to walk five minutes to enjoy the blossoms. The grounds are clean, there’s plenty of exercise equipment, and can relax while staying active.”

A Green Vision for Urban Living

Xiaoyong, a researcher at the Shaanxi Academy of Social Sciences, emphasized that connecting with nature is an intrinsic human need. Activities like picnics on grassy lawns, park camping, and the "20-Minute Park Effect" reflect a collective desire to find tranquility and adjust to life’s pressures. These trends also highlight public expectations for urban planning that prioritizes green, livable spaces.

Creating more vibrant, accessible parks could be a key strategy for building greener, more livable cities. As cities strive to enhance quality of life, embracing this growing affinity for nature may be a significant step forward.