Award winning investigative journalist Florence Williams introduces her book “The Nature Fix” with Mackerron’s Mappiness Project.
Professor and economist George MacKerron at the University of Sussex, UK asked the research question: Where are we happiest? Does place matter? 
How They Did It
In the this Mappiness Project, MacKerron et al developed a unique data collection method: a smart phone app equipped with GPS.
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Over 20,000 UK smartphone users contributed over one million geo-located data points.
The smart phone app signalled participants at random moments, providing a short (subjective well being) survey.
The research model controlled for weather, daylight, activity, companionship, location type, time, and day.
The researchers only sent out random surveys on weekends and national holidays to factor out the vacation effect.
Mappiness Project Results
Participants were happiest in natural habitats, with many other effects controlled.
“On average, study participants are significantly and substantially happier outdoors in all green or natural habitat types than they are in urban environments” states the research team.
The findings were robust no matter which was they worked the model.
More Evidence to Go Outside
This study provides more evidence on why we need to get outside near trees and natural environments in our daily life.
Through the Arbor, a Massage Therapy Centre in Pine Falls, Manitoba sells and recommends this book “The Boreal Herbal, Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North.”. It is a Canadian best seller written by Beverly Gray who lives in Alaska. John and Bernice Philips who own “Through The Arbor” in Pine Falls are fonts of information on the therapeutic effects of trees and herbs. I just have a one and a half hour massage there and I feel like different person. If you are ever in Pine Falls, Manitoba, you must book a one and a half hour massage with John. It is $110 and worth every penny.
While I am walking in “the bush” as we call it here, I look for spruce buds at this time of year to make tea. I am planning to purchase this book so I can learn more about the wild plants around the trees.
Until next time, remember “Healthy Tree, Healthy Me” Verla 
My sister and I both ordered the Columbia jacket that is on sale now at Columbiasportswear.ca.
The omniheat jacket that I love is called the “Women’s Redrock Falls Jacket.”
I am trying to get an exact link to it for you. But in the meantime here is the link to the sales where you will find it.
Another great post. Because of your posts I am more conscious of nature.
I always like reading your posts. They are so refreshing and I want to take a brisk walk after reading them.
Yes, being outside is when I am the happiest too! After a long winter of not being able to go outside, I am craving the outdoors!
Love the post! Today is one of those days I needed a walk in the park and it so worked!
I so agree! There is nothing I love more than spending time with family at the lake. Which in our case, is in the woods.
I know that I am much happier when I am outside in nature! 🙂
I agree with the research. Being in nature is the best.
I’m certainly happiest around trees. I love this post, all the more reason to go for a hike through the forest and enjoy a beautiful day. We plant an evergreen in our backyard after Christmas every year. My boyfriend says he wants to make a forest in our backyard.
I know that I always feel better when I’m outside and close to nature…love it!
What a great read. Being out in nature is by far the most relaxing feeling. Thanks for sharing!
Oh yea getting outside makes everyone in our house feel better
There is just something about being outside and enjoying nature! It’s good for you, as this post has proven!
Interesting research (as always)!
YES – I totally agree and love to be out surrounded by nature! I didn’t know about the Mappiness Project – neat idea…will have to look into it.