A new study has found that spending time outdoors and turning off our devices is associated with greater happiness during a period of COVID-19 restrictions. Previous academic studies have shown how being outdoors, particularly in green spaces, can improve mental health by promoting a more positive body image and lowering levels of depression and anxiety.
Jointly led by academics from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the UK, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Austria and Perdana University in Malaysia, this new study examined how happiness levels during a lockdown were influenced by being outside, the amount of daily screen time (use of TV, computer and smartphone) and feelings of loneliness.
Using an experience sampling method (ESM), the researchers measured happiness levels among a group of 286 adults three times a day, at random intervals, over a 21-day period. This allowed participants to provide data in real-time rather than retrospectively, eliminating recall bias.
The study, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, was conducted in April 2020, when the Austrian participants were only allowed to leave their home for specific activities, including exercise.
It turned out that the happiness level was higher when the participants were outside instead of inside. In addition, more daily screen time and higher levels of loneliness were both associated with lower levels of happiness. The impact of loneliness on happiness was also weaker when participants were outdoors.
Co-lead author Viren Swami, a professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:“While lockdowns can slow transmission of COVID-19, research has also shown that prolonged periods of lockdown take a toll on mental health.”
“Our results are important in this context as they show that the ability to spend time outdoors under lockdown conditions has a beneficial impact on psychological well-being. Being outdoors provides opportunities to escape the stress of being cooped up at home, maintain social relationships with others. and participating in physical activity – all of which can improve mental health.
