It was a beautiful Sunday to get outside and go for a walk. 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.

The sun, the foliage and the cool air. The fall tours at Rochester’s Mount Hope Cemetery have all three.

"You feel perkier when you're out in the cold weather and it just makes you feel good about yourself," said Dianne Edgar of Rochester.

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," Edgar said.

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 coauthored four studies, exposing 370 people to natural and manmade 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.

On a nice day like this connecting with nature is easy. With or without the research some say it's the best way to connect with others.

"And it's a good place to think and clear your head and think about everybody you care about," Edgar added.