Technology and the fast demand have taken their toll on our health and every one of us knows this very well because we don’t have enough time to attend to ourselves and keep ourselves in good health both physically and mentally. When strolling through the crowded streets of this stressful environment it becomes obvious to understand what our surroundings are doing to our mental state. On the other hand, the scene changes to green spaces such as parks, gardens, or green roofs, have been pointed to as having beneficial effects on the particular’s mental health. The
Psychological Effect of NatureDifferent studies have established that a number of things that are associated with time in nature are good for mental health. Environmental Science & Technology reports that being exposed to green spaces increases mood and well-being and 5 minutes is all it takes. Such a swift dose of nature can be effective in neutralizing the stressful effects of the urban environment. The science is sound. After having looked at the environment, it becomes clear that nature in particular has the ability to soothe the soul and make us happy. It makes us alert, gets our attention, and helps us detach from the constant barrage of bytes in our brains. The whole atmosphere, the noise, and the smell of the green spaces give us a sight, sound, and smell which in turn helps to calm us.
The Stress-Relief Factor Urban life is stressful. It may as much as add up to noise, so many people around, and the pressure it puts one under to keep up. However, findings have indicated that this can be offset by a few trips to green areas to carry out stress-busting activities. Recent research published in Psychological Science revealed a positive correlation between physical activity in the natural environment and a significant decrease in cortisol, the hormone that is linked to stress.
Green spaces also provide physical activity and physical exercise, for which benefits have been associated with improved mental health. A simple walk in the park or jogging improves endorphins, mood, and general well-being than having a picnic in the park. Two of them include nature and physical activity making green spaces an element in urban society and a necessity for mental health.
Fostering Social Connections
An interesting feature of urban green spaces is their capability to restore attention. The world we are living in is so interconnected that our attention is drawn in so many directions causing mental strain. According to the Attention Restoration Theory, natural conditions can reduce our depleted attention resources.
Being outside nature reduces stress since our minds get a break from constant running around and forcing our brains to work extra hard. Such a mental break can make people better at work since it helps to focus and be creative for the rest of the day. Especially when walking through a park, or just sitting on a bench, where trees cover the sky, these moments can be changing.
Designing Cities for Mental Health
I think one of those magical things about urban green spaces is they pay back attention. The modern world is also a busy world and while there have been advances in technology our minds do get overwhelmed. According to Attention Restoration Theory, the stress caused by work and other daily activities can be countered by, or eased by natural environments.
This also means our eyes can follow paths in green spaces and wander around aimlessly, which is a luxury to get away from a tight schedule. People who experience this mental shift yield better results in their focus and creativity hence, increasing productivity in day-to-day routines. Apart from the regular walks in parks and those moments when a person sits on a bench under the trees similar moments can be quite life-altering.
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Taking Action
Those people who are living in urban areas can make their daily lives beneficial by putting efforts to increase green spaces in their areas.
By exploring local parks, visiting those parks taking a long walk on green belts, and spending time in open spaces to refresh your mind.
Make sure to join community activities like plantation or gardening and apart from that there are other activities as well like yoga classes in a park or other green spaces, especially in the morning when the air is cool and clean.
Make sure to create your own little green space around or in the backyard of your house where you make yourself busy by taking care of plants or grass.
