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Scientists have known for a while that spending more time outdoors is good for you. But new research suggests it also encourages you to be good to others.

Spending time outdoors can reduce stress and increase energy. Edgar believes it can also make you more caring.

"I don't know if it's scientifically proven, but it makes a lot of sense," said Dianne Edgar of Rochester.

According to a new study published in the “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,” it is scientifically proven.

"This particular phenomenon of nature making us more caring, that's new and surprising to all of us," said Dr. Richard Ryan of the University of Rochester.

Dr. Ryan co-authored four studies, exposing 370 people to natural and man made environments.

"People who were around natural elements were more interested in relationships and more interested in community," said Ryan.

Researchers found exposing people to cityscapes and manmade objects only created a different mindset, actually making people less caring and less humane.

"It's kind of paradoxical that exposure to human landscapes of to human objects seems to make people less humane, and exposure to natural elements seems to make people more humane," Ryan said.

Ryan hopes the research will lead to more parks in urban settings, and encourages people to get outdoors.

"So we suggest you actually stop and smell the roses," Ryan said.