Survey reveals fresh and quick way to calm anxiety from apr Watch Video

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✓ Published: 20-May-2024

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The simplest tool to calm anxiety is just a step away, according to a recent study. <br/>A survey of 2,000 Americans with outdoor spaces at home revealed that 94% of respondents agreed that the simple act of stepping outside helps them relax when stressed or anxious. <br/><br/>On average, respondents reported it takes about nine minutes to calm down and unwind when stressed after stepping out for fresh air. <br/><br/>Commissioned by TruGreen for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, and conducted by Talker Research, the research found that seven in ten have made a conscious decision to spend time more outside to improve their mental health. <br/><br/>Similarly, 69% have made an effort to incorporate time outside in their daily routine.<br/><br/>Looking at day-to-day stress and anxiety, respondents rated their stress at a moderate level of four (on a scale of one to 10). <br/><br/>However, those who include outdoor time in their daily routines reported lower stress levels (4) compared to those who don’t (5), on a scale from one to 10. <br/><br/>According to the research, the biggest stressors of daily American life are finances (52%), current events (37%), health (37%) and relationships (29%). <br/><br/>Respondents reported activities including breathing in fresh air (54%), going on a walk (53%), cleaning and organizing (34%) and texting or calling a friend (33%) as helpful ways to reduce stress. <br/><br/>Reflecting the positive mental health benefits of time outside, more than half (51%) of respondents considered having an outdoor space a non-negotiable when they moved into their home. <br/><br/>But despite the benefits of outdoor time, many struggle to prioritize it: 65% of those with outdoor routines will skip it on a busy day. <br/><br/>The study also revealed insights into the emotional connection Americans have with their outdoor spaces. <br/><br/>Nearly half (48%) said having a nice yard gives them a sense of pride and three-quarters (74%) feel they should spend more time than they do enjoying their outdoor space. <br/><br/>Of those, 57% even feel guilty about not spending enough time outside in their yards. <br/><br/>And aesthetic affects outdoor time too: More than nine in 10 respondents (92%) said messiness or poor upkeep of their yards negatively impacts their enjoyment of outdoor time.<br/><br/>“A well-kept outdoor space enhances home appeal and makes it easier for homeowners to incorporate outdoor time into their daily routines. But while maintaining outdoor spaces is a priority for nearly 90% of Americans, it comes with challenges like weeding and pest control,” said Matt Morelli, region technical manager at TruGreen. “If maintenance feels overwhelming, partnering with a professional can ease the burden, rather than facing the task alone, so homeowners can get back to enjoying their free time — including being outside.” <br/><br/>Survey methodology:<br/>This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans whose house or living space includes a yard, patio, or porch was commissioned by TruGreen between Apr. 16 and Apr. 22, 2024. It was conducted by market rese