News Psychology

Time in nature or exercise is touted for happiness. But evidence is lacking

A review of hundreds of studies finds limited rigorous research behind many happiness hacks

A photo of a man in a yellow raincoat standing at the end of a dock with his back to the camera. The background, in black and white, shows Lake Achen in Austria.

Many commonly recommended happiness hacks, like going out in nature, lack rigorous evidence to back them up.

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By Luis Melecio-Zambrano

Go on a run, hike through nature and meditate, and you’re basically guaranteed a happier life. At least, that’s what scores of listicles might lead you to believe. But a new review of hundreds of studies on happiness questions just how strong the evidence is for some of these happiness hacks.