Green Spaces and Mental Health

Over the cold and wintry months, I started thinking a lot about how much time we spend indoors in artificial light, in offices, surrounding ourselves with technology 24/7 and social media.  We can have so many “friends”, and be accessible to others at any time, especially with social media…but by the same token, as a society we are the most disconnected…to ourselves, to others and to our environment. 

Connectedness refers to the way we relate to nature and experience nature…green spaces.  A strong connection with nature means feeling a close relationship or an emotional attachment to our natural surroundings. 

I think back to the times when I have been out in a field, going for a bushwalk or just noticing the birds darting around the trees along the urban street as I’ve been walking along.  In these moments a level of connection returns.  Research also supports this notation of the benefits of green space.  As we immerse ourselves in nature for at least 30 mins – this has psychological and physical benefits for our overall wellbeing (Iwata et al., 2016).[1]  This might look like taking a walk in a park after work, contemplating at a river, visiting a strip of urban greenery in your local area or just getting out in the sun and gardening at home. 

Connecting back to nature is more than just standing next to a tree or being outside.  It is about immersing ourselves in the moment…being with our senses…taking time to feel our emotions – admiring that beautiful flower, feeling the grass beneath our feet…or coolness of the morning due between our toes. 

It is the feeling of the soil between our fingers or taking time to tune into the whistling sounds of the birdlife chatter…something changes inside us.

As we spend time in green spaces our mental health is boosted – from reduced anger and frustration, to elevating our mood and improving sleep.  Our ability to think creatively, stay attentive, and memory all improves.  The more present we are, the more relaxed and less anxious and stressed we become.

So, take the time this week to add some more green into your life.  This might look like adding a couple of plants to your veranda or indoor space at home or work office space, joining a community garden or organising to take a walk outside with a friend by the lake. All these things will help to re-connect.  Put some nature into your life and it will love you too 😊

Lauren Brown

PSYCHOLOGIST - Children | Adults | Families | Training | Organisational Wellness

THE ANNA CENTRE

[1] Iwata, Y., Ine, A. ´, Dhubha´ in, N., Brophy, J., Roddy, D., Burke, C., & Murphy, B. (2016). Benefits of Group Walking in Forests for People with Significant Mental Ill-Health. Ecopsychology, 8(1), 16–26. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2015.0045