It is a trend that has been years in the making, according to research by supplements company Nature’s Own.
And Victoria ranks among the highest states for time spent indoors.
This now marks the highest time spent indoors in more than 30 years based on survey responses from more than 1000 Australians.
The total average time Australians are spending indoors equates to 304 days a year, collectively, with work and busy lifestyles largely to blame.
Consequently, this Nature Week (May 1 to 7), Australians are being encouraged to reassess, get outdoors and experience nature around them for at least 20 minutes a day.
Clinical psychologist Dr Tracey Zielinski says the trend of spending most of our time indoors may have long-term implications on our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
“Whether it be in an office, school environment, or home, staying inside all day can impact levels of anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue, irritability and concentration,” Dr Zielinski said.
“Getting outdoors and into nature helps our bodies and minds flourish. Benefits such as daily exercise and opportunities for mindfulness can also lead to improved mood and feelings of relaxation when we spend more time with nature around us.
“By immersing ourselves in nature, we’re able to reap all these physical, emotional and cognitive benefits, while forming closer bonds with our natural environment.”
The report also revealed that of those who do spend time outdoors:
• Forty per cent spend less than 10 minutes a day.
• Ten per cent never visit their local community park.
• Close to 20 per cent claim to never visit nearby national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
Despite Australians experiencing COVID-19 related lockdowns during the pandemic, only half say these periods of isolation have encouraged them to go experience nature.
While there is a lack of interaction with nature in our homes and suburbs, the report also showed in contrast there is a growing desire for more nearby and convenient green spaces accessible within workplaces. In fact, close to three in four Australians believe there are not enough green spaces in central business districts or their workplaces.