Today, most of our days are spent indoors, surrounded by artificial light, technology and a never-ending stream of distraction. Research suggests that this disconnection from nature can hurt our mental health.

A simple solution to this issue is to spend time in green spaces. Whether you're strolling through a park, exploring the woods, or just basking in the sunshine outdoors, immersing yourself in natural surroundings has been associated with numerous mental health advantages. Spending time in green spaces can alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms, reduce stress hormone levels, enhance mood, and boost overall feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

So, what are green spaces?

Green spaces refer to areas set aside for recreation or conservation that are covered in vegetation like grass, trees, and plants. They vary in size, ranging from cozy neighbourhood parks to vast national forests, and can be discovered in both urban and rural environments.

In towns and cities, this can look like woodlands, parks and gardens, as well as infrastructure elements like plant walls and green roofs.

There is a growing body of research showing the positive benefits nature has on our mental health. A recent study, which reviewed fifty research studies, supported the idea that activities in natural settings can elevate mood, alleviate anxiety, and generate positive outcomes for all participants.

Benefits of green spaces

Spending time in green spaces offer several mental health benefits:

Stress reduction: nature relaxes us, reducing stress and cortisol levels, your stress hormone, which can sometimes lead to anxiety and depression.

Improved mood: green spaces have been shown to foster happiness and wellbeing. They also help diminish anger, frustration, and anxiety, as well as ease seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

Enhanced cognitive function: nature can boost your attention, memory, and creativity. This could be due to its calming effects and a reduction in sensory overload.

Stronger immune system: being in green spaces can strengthen your immunity through exposure to phytoncides released by plants, aiding white blood cells in fighting illness.

Better sleep: green spaces improve sleep quality and duration by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Natural light and fresh air also help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Physical activity: spending time outdoors encourages physical activity, benefiting both physical and mental health, with outdoor exercise offering an extra mood boost, reducing sadness and fatigue.

Green spaces are not only beneficial to people but also vital for the environment.

These areas serve as natural filters, effectively absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by providing a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.

In cities, another benefit of green spaces is that they help to moderate what is known as the ‘urban heat island effect'. This phenomenon occurs when natural land cover is replaced by dense pavement, buildings, and other heat-absorbing surfaces in urban areas. The consequences include increased energy costs, higher levels of air pollution, a surge in heat-related illnesses, and even fatalities.

The cooling and shading effects of green spaces help counteract this issue.

How to create more green space at home

To enjoy all the wonderful mental health and community perks that green spaces offer, why not kickstart the transformation right in your own home? Here are some suggestions on how you can introduce more greenery into your space:

Plant a garden: whether it's a lush backyard plot or a cozy balcony oasis, gardening is a fantastic way to de-stress and feel connected to the natural world. A vegetable garden can also help you save on groceries!

Create a wildlife haven: creating a wildlife habitat is a win-win. It not only adds beauty to your backyard but also supports your local ecosystem by offering shelter and food for bugs and birds, helping them thrive.

Build a plant wall: a plant wall adds visual appeal and greenery to your space, whether indoors or outdoors. It mimics a split-level garden without needing ground planting. Simply cover the wall with plants, whether in pots or a planter attached to the wall.

Plant some houseplants: houseplants can lead to numerous benefits, such as sharpened attention, more productivity, reduced stress and anxiety, and a happier outlook on life. Here are some native Australian plants that grow perfectly indoors.

Create an outdoor hangout: design a special spot in your yard or on your balcony for activities like yoga, meditation, or just lazing around. Make it your personal haven for relaxation and an inviting space for friends and family.

No matter how people choose to spend time in nature, whether hiking in the woods or relaxing in the garden, it can significantly affect mental health and wellbeing. Spending just two hours in a local park each week can have a significant effect!