It is not surprising that nature is good for our health and a new study confirms that. Participants in the Danish study felt significantly more relaxed and had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and heart rate after an hour of brisk walking in green surroundings or the beach compared to those who exercised in the city or indoors. Participants also had a significantly greater desire to repeat their physical activity in nature while the intention to continue was completely different in the city and indoors. Authors of the study in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise also note there are many benefits to exercising indoors, including the social element of playing a team sport or just small talk at the gym. So a mix of both nature and indoor exercise may bring the greatest benefit.