New research has revealed that regular outdoor exercise could cut the risk of poor mental health by 50%. Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that activities in natural environments, such as parks and forests, have a positive effect on stress, mood and fatigue.

Meanwhile, exercising in "non-natural environments" such as gyms does not offer such a great level of protection against such mental illnesses as depression and stress.

Head of the research Professor Richard is reported as saying: "I wasn't surprised by the findings that exercise in natural environments is good for your mental health, but I was surprised by just how much better it is for your mental health to exercise in a green place like a forest, than in other places like the gym.”

The study found that only 8% of people who exercised regularly in green spaces were likely to suffer poor mental health while the number doubled to 16% for people who did not exercise regularly outdoors.

The research team studied the use of natural and non-natural environments for physical activity, such as walking, running and cycling.

It’s thought that outdoor exercise has a positive effect on biomarkers, which indicate levels of stress and fatigue.

So what are you waiting for? Never has there been so many reasons to go outdoors and celebrate your improved health.