Here’s how to apply the 20-5-3 method, which reduces stress and makes you happy.

At the dawn of the summer vacation, fatigue is felt and you have trouble managing the weight of everyday life? Here is the way to say goodbye to stress that could be life changing.

Ah, the famous mental load that takes precedence over our morale … Oscillating between anxiety, nervousness, fatigue and frustration, you no longer know where to turn and you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown? Here is the 20-5-3 method. Conceptualized by the American scientist Tanya Denckla-Cobb, from the University of Virginia, it could well be the remedy to find a calm mental health and open the way to happiness …

What is the 20-5-3 rule?

Also known as the “pyramid of nature,” this method teaches you that to improve your mental health you need to spend some time away from home and preferably in nature. Each number corresponds to the minimum time spent in the light of day which will do your body good and remedy anxiety, depression or even stress.

20-5-3 determines the number of minutes, hours and days favorable to your recovery, during which you must immerse yourself in nature. Not necessarily in large green and unspoiled spaces (hello urbanites ..). On the other hand, this method allows you to reclaim the greenery that surrounds you, such as parks and gardens.

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20 minutes, 5 hours and 3 days

To begin with, you have to keep in mind that the benefits of natural light are proven. According to a study called Impact of Workplace Daylight Exposure on Sleep, Physical Activity and Quality of Life, office workers who work near windows have better sleep, physical abilities and quality of life than others. So the more you are exposed to the sun’s rays, the clearer the effects will be on your mental health.

In this method, 20 is the number of minutes you should spend in outdoor activities at least 3 times per week. Drop the phones and enjoy the nearby parks or forest on your own or in several. Those 20 minutes of sun exposure will allow your brain to create hormones to keep you awake. You will therefore feel less fatigue and be more relaxed on a daily basis.

By following this pyramid, you will spend a minimum of 5 hours outdoors each month in nature. But this time, you have to organize yourself to escape to the heart of a semi-wild space, forest or trail style. Perfect example: a Sunday hike with the family, with reconnection with nature on the program. Your anxiety will subside as the birds sing and the wind blows through the leaves.

Finally, 3 days represents the time you are supposed to take per year resting in the wilderness. No more half measures, these 3 days are a real moment of disconnection. Everything has to be cut to escape everyday life and refocus on yourself. Don’t worry, the forest is nowhere near as dangerous as in the last one Jumanji...

See also: 6 tips to be positive in life

Video by Coline Amar

Lea Lecuyer

With Léa, curiosity is no longer a bad thing. Lifestyle journalist, she always has good advice to boost your well-being and keeps you informed of all the characteristics of your sign …