We know that getting physical activity every day is good for both the body and the mind, but are there any forms of exercise that are better than others? Or maybe it's not the exercise itself, but where you do it.

A recent British study has found that "green exercise" (walking, bicycling, boating and fishing, or any other activity that is done outside and in the presence of nature) is beneficial for mental health, especially those who are generally inactive or stressed.

And the good news is that it doesn't take very long to achieve the positive effects. The data included 1,252 participants, both men and women, of different ages, who participated in 10 different studies. After pooling the results, researchers Jules Pretty and Jo Barton found improvements in mood and self-esteem after just five minutes of "ecotherapy." Those who were active around water showed the greatest effects.

Previous studies have shown the same positive effects of being outside. One from the British mental health group Mind.org compared people who walked in an indoor mall and those who walked in a park. 71% of those on the "green" walk reported decreased levels of depression and lowered feelings of tension. 90% reported increased self-esteem compared to 44% of those who walked indoors.

Some ideas for "green exercise":

• Go for a brief walk during your lunch break instead of staying inside.
   
• Walk or ride a bike in a park, and if one is not available, find a safe, tree-lined street.
   
• Live near water? Find a trail or path that circles a pond or lake or follows a stream or river.
   
• Start a small garden. You not only reap mental health benefits, but you can also supply the family with a source of healthy food.
   
• If you must exercise indoors, read a nature magazine, bring a plant near your equipment, or position yourself in front of a window or large nature poster. You can also try nature sound CDs for an outdoorsy feel.

And of course, what is good for you is also good for your family. Children also need some "time away" for both physical and mental health. Instead of plopping them down in front of the TV after school, try some of these fun ideas from Oprah.com:

• Play games in the yard. Classics like Hide and Seek, Mother-May-I, or Red-Light-Green-Light are fun and enjoyable for even the smallest children.
   
• Create a nature walk, no matter where you are. Even in your own neighborhood, you can point out the different plants, trees, birds, and other wildlife.
   
• Go to a local park for playing ball, swinging on swings, or flying a kite.
   
• Remember skipping stones on a pond when you were a child? A lost art, for sure. Teach your children how to do it.
   
• Visit a nature center, such as a public garden or arboretum. Some places even have special areas for kids.

This post was included in All Things Eco Blog Carnival #101 and The Homesteading Carnival #146.