BELLINGHAM, WA – (KGMI.com) Looks like even just a little more green space can be good for our mental and physical health.

A WSU study finds that having just 10% more forest space in your ZIP code can reduce psychological distress.

Mental health problems associated with that distress can require treatment and interfere with people’s social lives, work and school.

Researchers say one potential solution could involve nature “prescriptions,” which involves healthcare providers giving patients written recommendations to spend time outside.

The study is based on health data from more than 42,000 people aged 65 and older who lived in Washington state between 2011 and 2019.