Over
the past several decades, there has been a fast migration into cities as our
societies get more industrialized, more urban and more digital. We’ve grown
accustomed to spending our time indoors behind screens.
But
have we been hurting our brains in the process? Have we been missing out on the
protective factors that nature can have in our brain health and overall wellbeing?
“In every
walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
It
might sound a little out there at first, but research shows that green spaces —
think plants, flowers, trees and parks — have a powerful ability to make us
happier and healthier.
The science behind nature and green spaces
One in
every five Americans experiences a mental illness in a given year, and suicide
is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10–34.
These
numbers are sobering, but could nature be part of the answer?
One in
every five Americans experiences a mental illness in a given year.
Research
suggests a strong positive connection between green space and
mental health. Green spaces boost mental wellbeing by improving the immune
system, and encouraging physical activity and social interaction. Studies also
report that nature can help prevent mental health issues and diminish many
symptoms of mental illness.
Consistent
exposure to nature is particularly important for children, as exposure earlier
in life can lower the risk of psychiatric disorders and improve cognitive
development.
Urban
residence is associated with a higher risk of some psychiatric disorders.
Although this finding is multifactorial, there is increasing evidence that the
level of exposure to natural environment impacts your mental health.
The
World Health Organization identifies stress, isolation and physical activity as leading contributors to
premature death in developed nations. But exposure to nature on a regular basis
could potentially have benefits in all three of these areas by influencing both
your physiological and psychological pathways.
Don’t
believe me? Take these real-life examples: Hospital patients with plants in
their rooms display less fatigue and pain, shorter hospitalization, less
anxiety and higher satisfaction. Children with ADHD who play in grassy outdoor
spaces had less severe symptoms than those who played in windowless indoor
settings. Dementia patients who have access to gardens are less likely to
display aggression or expressive injuries and more likely to have improved
sleep patterns, balanced hormones and decreased agitation.
So,
what about you? How can you benefit from more consistent exposure to nature?
·
Decrease physical and perceived stress levels
·
Increase your resilience and ability to bounce back after an
emotional situation
·
More social interactions that lead to restorative experiences
·
Improve overall mood, as well as diminish symptoms of depression
and anxiety
·
Better ability to cope with physical pain
·
Alleviate mental fatigue by restoring and relaxing the mind
·
Deeper social bonding and happiness
·
Improve work performance and diminish burnout
·
Increase creativity and mindfulness
Make time to get outside today
Now
that you know what nature can do for you, it’s time to make green spaces part
of your daily routine. With so many things in our lives and our environments
that we cannot control, we need to pay attention to the little things we can
control each day that make a difference.
Here
are a few ways to take advantage of the green spaces around you for improved
quality of life and emotional wellbeing.
Make an
effort to get outside today — because your mental health matters.
Let’s keep it green!
Next,
discover how exercise can boost your mental health,
too.
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