Why are green spaces good for us?

These days, most of us spend a lot of time indoors surrounded by artificial light, glued to screens, and constantly juggling distractions. It’s no surprise that this disconnect from nature can take a toll on our mental health.

If you're feeling a bit blue or the brain fog is settling in, there's one easy thing you can do to help yourself – spend more time in green spaces. Whether you’re walking through a park, heading out for a bushwalk, or just sitting in the sun, being in nature can do wonders for your wellbeing. Studies consistently show that time outdoors can help ease anxiety and depression, lower stress levels, lift your mood, and boost overall happiness.

So, what are green spaces?

Green spaces are areas set aside for recreation or conservation that are filled with vegetation – things like grass, trees, and plants. They can be big or small, from your local neighbourhood park to sprawling national forests, and you’ll find them in both cities and rural areas.

In urban environments, green spaces might look like parks, gardens, or patches of bushland. They can also include features like green roofs and plant-covered walls that bring a bit of nature into built-up areas.

There’s growing evidence showing just how powerful nature can be for our mental health. For example, large reviews of multiple studies have found that spending time in natural settings can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and create positive experiences for people across the board.

Benefits of green spaces

Spending time in green spaces comes with a range of mental and physical benefits:

Less stress: Nature helps your body relax, lowering cortisol (your main stress hormone). This can reduce feelings of anxiety and prevent stress from building up.

Better mood: Time outdoors can make you feel happier and more at ease. It can also help reduce anger, frustration, and even symptoms of seasonal depression.

Sharper thinking: Being in nature can improve your focus, memory, and creativity – likely because it gives your brain a break from constant noise and overstimulation.

Stronger immune system: Plants release natural compounds (called phytoncides) that can support your immune system and help your body fight off illness.

Improved sleep: Fresh air, natural light, and reduced stress can all help regulate your sleep cycle and improve the quality of your rest.

More movement: Being outdoors naturally encourages physical activity, and exercising in nature can give you an extra boost – helping reduce fatigue and lift your mood even more.

Green spaces don’t just support our wellbeing – they also play a vital role in keeping our environment healthy. They absorb carbon dioxide, help clean the air, and promote biodiversity by providing crucial habitats for plants and wildlife.

In cities especially, green spaces can make a big difference by reducing the “urban heat island effect.” This happens when roads, buildings, and other hard surfaces trap heat, making urban areas much hotter than their surroundings. This can lead to higher energy use, worse air quality, and increased health risks during heatwaves.

Trees and vegetation help cool things down by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air, making cities more comfortable – and safer – places to live.

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 cosy 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-friendly 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 do wonders for your health – they promote 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!