Spending time in nature has long been known to have positive effects on mental health.

In particular, surrounding ourselves with green – whether it be through plants, trees, or natural landscapes – has been shown to provide a multitude of psychological benefits. In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways in which incorporating green into our daily lives can improve our mental well-being.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

One of the most significant benefits of being around green is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that people who live in areas with more green space tend to have lower levels of these conditions than those who don’t.

One reason for this is that exposure to nature has been found to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Additionally, simply looking at greenery has been shown to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Improved Mood

Green environments have also been linked to improved mood. In one study, participants who spent time in a green park reported feeling happier and more positive than those who spent the same amount of time in a built-up urban environment.

Another study found that patients in a hospital who had views of trees and other greenery were less stressed and had shorter hospital stays than those who didn’t have access to natural views.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

Surrounding ourselves with green can also have benefits for our cognitive function. Research has shown that exposure to nature can improve memory performance and attention span.

Even just looking at pictures of nature has been found to temporarily boost cognitive performance. This may be due in part to the fact that being in natural surroundings can give us a break from the constant stimuli of technology and other distractions, allowing our brains to recharge.

Increased Creativity

Being in a green environment can also stimulate creativity. In one study, employees who had plants in their workspaces demonstrated higher levels of creativity and productivity than those in workplaces without greenery.

Similarly, taking a walk in nature has been shown to boost creativity levels compared to walking in an urban environment.

Better Sleep

Incorporating green into our sleeping environment can also be beneficial for our mental health.

Plants in the bedroom have been found to improve sleep quality and duration, possibly due to their ability to purify the air and create a more calming atmosphere. Additionally, sleeping in a room with views of greenery has been associated with better restorative sleep and lower levels of stress upon waking.

Increased Physical Activity

Surrounding ourselves with green can also encourage us to be more physically active, which has its own mental health benefits.

People who live in areas with more green spaces tend to engage in more physical activity, such as walking, jogging, and biking. Additionally, studies have shown that exercising outdoors in natural environments can lead to greater improvements in mental well-being than exercising indoors.

Improved Self-Esteem

Spending time in nature and incorporating green into our daily lives can also improve our self-esteem. One study found that people who walked in a park had higher self-esteem and were more confident than those who walked on a busy city street.

Another study found that gardening was associated with improved self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment.

Mental Restoration

Finally, being in green environments can provide a break from our daily stresses and allow for mental restoration. In one study, participants who spent time in nature reported feeling more rested and rejuvenated than those who didn’t.

Additionally, incorporating nature breaks into our daily routines – whether it be taking a walk in a park during lunch or incorporating plants into our workspaces – can help us feel more mentally refreshed throughout the day.

Conclusion

The benefits of surrounding ourselves with green are clear. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood, cognitive function, and creativity, incorporating nature into our daily lives can have numerous positive effects on our mental well-being.

Whether it be through spending time in nature, adding plants to our homes or workplaces, or simply looking at pictures of natural landscapes, surrounding ourselves with green is a simple and effective way to support our mental health.