Effect of Outdoor Activities on Stress Levels and Emotional Well-Being on Young People

Objectives. This study aims to investigate the impact of an outdoor activities program during a 5-day camp on young people aged 20-30 regarding reducing stress levels and improving emotional well-being. Materials and Methods. Participants. A sample of International participants (n = 23) aged 20 to 30 from various countries participated in the 5-daycamp. Outdoor activities. During the camp, different activities were performed, such as yoga, body movement, walking to the sea, dancing, meditation, breathing, walking in the forest, drawing, and debating. Procedure. On the first day, all participants were familiarized with the Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV) camera and completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to measure their general stress levels. From day two to day five, the participants did selected outdoor activities. Every day, in the morning before and the evening after the activities, the stress levels and emotional well-being were measured with the GDV camera and a 5-criteria emotional rating scale. Statistical analysis. The analyses were conducted using Microsoft Office Excel and JASP version 0.18.3. The data was analysed using a paired sample T-test, Wilcoxon test, and ANOVA. Results. Days 2 and 4 showed statistically significant reductions in stress levels, W = 245.000, z = 3.254, p = 0.001, and t(22) = 2.194, p = 0.039 as p <0.05, respectively. In contrast, Day 3 demonstrated a counterintuitive considerable increase in stress ( t (22) = -2.524, p = 0.019 p< 0.05), and Day 5 showed a non-significant (p> 0.05 ). The results of the repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time on emotional well-being, F(8, 176) = 14.435, p < 0.001. Conclusions. These findings suggest that incorporating yoga, body movement, walking to the sea, and meditation into stress management programs is beneficial. Activities like Debate should be avoided.