Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and restore balance to mind and body. Many people juggle work, family, and constant digital connection, which raises stress and anxiety. Outdoor activities such as walking, gardening, or meditation provide a break from daily pressure. The Ipsos iSay community survey* shows how often people turn to nature to relax and what benefits they notice when they do.
Participation in Nature-Based Activities
Here is everything you should know about participating in nature-based activities.
Participation in Nature for Relaxation
Survey results reveal that 65% of respondents participate in nature-based activities to relax or relieve stress. These findings are especially timely given the growing concerns about who is feeling stress in America the most, which shows how widespread stress has become across different age groups and communities.
Choosing Not to Participate
Another 35% said they do not currently engage in outdoor activities for stress relief.
How Beneficial Are Nature-Based Activities?
Here is how beneficial nature-based activities are, according to our research.
Very Beneficial for Mental Well-Being
Most people see clear benefits, with 63% describing nature-based activities as very beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Somewhat Beneficial for Mental Well-Being
30% reported they find outdoor activities somewhat helpful.
Neutral Toward Benefits
6% said they felt neutral about the impact on their mental and physical health.
Limited Perceived Benefit
Just 1% said nature is not very beneficial, while none reported it was not at all beneficial.
Most Popular Nature-Based Activities
Here are the most popular nature-based activities.
Walking or Running in a Park
Walking remains the most common choice, with 64% saying they use parks for stress relief. A nature walk helps lower stress and gives the mind space to reset.
Gardening
42% engage in gardening. Tending plants and soil connects people with the natural world and provides calming physical activity.
Taking Pictures Outdoors
43% said nature photography is a favorite way to relax. It helps people focus on the beauty of the natural environment and reconnect with nature.
Hiking
38% choose hiking trails as a way to relieve stress while improving physical health.
Visiting a Garden
37% reported visiting gardens as part of their relaxation routine, finding peace in quiet green spaces. These outdoor visits are also often integrated into broader summer plans, which highlights how people intentionally carve out time to enjoy nature during warmer months.
Meditation Outdoors
32% practice meditation outside, blending mindfulness with the benefits of fresh air and sunlight.
Birdwatching
31% find bird watching calming, which helps them slow down and pay attention to the present moment.
Outdoor Yoga
19% practice outdoor yoga and combine gentle movement with nature connection.
Collecting Seashells
18% collect seashells at the beach, which shows how small outdoor activities can improve mental well-being.
Picking Wild Plants or Herbs
15% said gathering wild plants or herbs supports relaxation and lowers stress.
Volunteering for Nature Projects
13% participate in volunteer projects in natural spaces, showing that giving back can also relieve stress.
Other Nature Activities
4% said they prefer other nature-based options not listed.
None of the Above
1% reported they do not engage in any of these outdoor activities.
Barriers to Practicing Nature-Based Activities
Here are the barriers to practicing nature-based activities.
Weather Conditions
Weather was the most common obstacle, with 52% saying conditions prevent them from spending time outside. This is particularly true during extreme weather seasons, when keeping cool has its costs, and managing heat or storms becomes a challenge to well-being and outdoor enjoyment.
Lack of Time
47% reported that busy schedules keep them from making outdoor activities part of their stress relief routine.
Limited Access to Natural Spaces
26% said limited access to parks, gardens, or nature reserves makes it difficult to spend time in nature.
Physical Limitations or Health Issues
25% mentioned physical health challenges that prevent them from participating fully.
Lack of Knowledge About Activities
16% reported not knowing enough about the different options available to them.
Lack of Interest
13% admitted they are not interested in nature-based activities for relaxation.
Other Barriers
1% cited other obstacles.
No Barriers
9% said they face no obstacles when engaging in outdoor activities.
Your Nature-Based Stress Relief Check-In
Nature offers a powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety, with walking, gardening, and hiking standing out as the most common and effective options. Most respondents reported clear benefits to their mental and physical health, though obstacles like time, weather, and access remain. Think about how much time you spend outdoors each week and which activities help you relax your mind and body. Small changes, like taking a daily nature walk or trying mindfulness outside, can help relieve stress and improve well-being. Explore your Ipsos iSay dashboard to share your experiences and discover more insights from the community.
*Source: Ipsos study conducted July 10 - 14, 2025, on 1,000 US Ipsos iSay members
