DR JAMES NEILL
Lecturer,
University of Canberra

GREEN EXERCISE: The Psychological Effects of Exercising in Nature
“Green exercise” involves physical exercise in natural environments.

There is growing recognition of the importance of the natural environment in people’s physical and psychological well-being. We also have known for some time that physical exercise is vital for well-being.

Now, the natural environment and physical exercise are coming together in the notion of “green exercise”.

Early green exercise research is promising, with demonstrated improvements in mood, stress and anxiety. Doctors and psychologists are being encouraged to consider “green prescriptions” for their patients – it’s free, healthy, and effective.

James currently lectures in the Centre for Applied Psychology at the University of Canberra and conducts research in outdoor education, experiential learning, the natural environment, and new technologies. He also edits http://wilderdom.com.

James previously taught outdoor education at the University of New Hampshire and was the Research Coordinator and a senior instructor at Outward Bound Australia.