Green Spaces, the key to better mental health in urban living
By Michael Casey
As another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past twelve months and the unrelenting pressures of urban life which I’m sure we all have experienced. The toll on mental health is undeniable, yet a simple remedy lies in green spaces. Whether you’re nestled amongst nature at home, have it integrated into your workplace, or have access to the many spaces across the city, the benefits of spending time surrounded by nature are unlimited.
Those who live and work near plants and nature spaces notice a reduction in their stress levels, anxiety reduces, and overall well-being improves. The past year, I hope you, like me, have surrounded yourself amongst nature and appreciated the irreplaceable peace and relaxation it brings. One thing of importance though is that it has also highlighted the urgency to address the ongoing destruction of the very natural spaces we treasure so much. As professionals in the field, we carry a responsibility to protect and nurture these vital green areas, treating them as the assets they are, and not only for our mental health but for the future of our cities.
Green spaces have a transformative impact on mental health and offer a range of benefits that go beyond relaxation, extending to lower stress levels, improving mood and enhancing cognitive function. Spending time in nature provides a sanctuary and a protected space away from the noise and demands of daily life while helping to reduce anxiety and boost our mood. It’s often as simple as walking through the bushland or walking through a park, or simply sitting in a garden and just being in green spaces that provides people with a much-needed opportunity to recharge emotionally and mentally. This benefit is especially critical in busy urban environments where life can become overwhelming. Reflecting on the beauty of nature over the past year and experiencing its experiences, I hope you can remind yourself of its importance in your life and of what stands to be lost if these spaces are not preserved and respected.
Living in urban settings can bring unique stressors such as the constant noise, crowded spaces and the rapid pace of city life which all take their toll on our mental and physical health. Limited access to fresh air and natural surroundings only compounds these pressures and further remind us of the many reasons why green spaces are invaluable.
When we talk about green spaces, we refer to public parks, community gardens, green roofs and walls, tree-lined streets, nature reserves, and even private gardens. Each of these contributes unique mental health benefits and protecting them along with advocating for further development of these spaces should be at the forefront of our agenda as industry professionals. The influence of green spaces on mental well-being is unmatched, extending to every facet of city life and creating a more balanced and welcoming urban environment.
As mentioned, spending time in green spaces reduces stress and anxiety, while lifting mood, easing symptoms of depression, sharpening cognitive function, and even lowers the risk of mental health disorders. Numerous studies show that time in natural settings decreases cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, and even a short 20-minute visit to a green space can significantly reduce stress levels. Experts recommend taking a break to walk through a local park when feeling overwhelmed, as green spaces create a calming environment that offers a sensory escape from the noise and intensity of urban life. We really need to factor this into our day at work and its importance should be a part of our days agenda. This effect is not limited to expansive parks and forests, any green space will add value. Rooftop gardens, for example, provide accessible community spaces where people can relax, rejuvenate, and find solace. And if these gardens are not assessable then viewing them from an office window or adjacent building is just as important. The more buildings adopting greenspaces will allow us all to view greenery from any angle and enjoy the benefits of a true borrowed landscape. As we move forward, let’s protect, and advocate that green spaces becomes essential, not only for our well-being but as a statement of commitment to a healthier, more mindful urban future.
Green spaces are mood enhancers, and reduce symptoms of depression and provide us with greater happiness. The soothing effect a walk in nature, or around greenspace, can have on us also assists us with a healthy dose of Vitamin D and exposure to natural light can have a powerful ripple effect. Exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin, a hormone linked to happiness and mood regulation. Nature also encourages mindfulness by grounding people in the present moment and hopefully away from the pressures of work and distractions, like tech and deadlines, by shifting focus away from these stressful and negative thoughts.
These benefits should be seen as a huge benefit to any office worker who has been stuck in an office space devoid of natural light and clean fresh air. Maybe a short walk each day will assist in the wellness of a worker’s day. Think about what people currently spend on wellness apps, books and courses when nature provides us with the same outcomes and benefits, and it’s right there on our doorstep. Beyond emotional well-being, green spaces enhance cognitive function and focus. Nature helps restore cognitive resources depleted by concentrated tasks, a benefit increasingly relevant in cities where stimuli like traffic and screens create constant cognitive overload. Green spaces offer a mental respite, alleviating fatigue and rejuvenating the mind. This benefit is especially valuable for children, older adults, and individuals with attention disorders. The “attention restoration theory” suggests that natural environments replenish our capacity for directed attention, allowing the brain to recover from the demands of work and study. In a world where natural spaces are vanishing at an alarming rate, it’s increasingly vital for us as professionals to champion and preserve green spaces that nurture both cognitive and emotional well-being. While educational institutions are beginning to recognise and integrate the benefits of green spaces into new facility designs, it’s time for health facilities, aged care centres, and other settings that could greatly benefit from greenery to also embrace natural settings beyond its aesthetic appeal.
Green spaces also promote physical activity, which is closely tied to mental health. Activities like walking, jogging, running, cycling, rollerblading, and hiking all contribute to better mental wellness. Physical activity reduces symptoms of depression by lowering stress and increasing self-esteem, and the best part of exercise is it releases endorphins, promoting happiness and reducing pain while creating a positive feedback loop that supports mental resilience. And as mentioned before, wouldn’t the addition of greenspaces be a great investment towards reducing the spiralling health costs associated with cardiovascular diseases and mental health to name just a couple.
The undeniable mental and physical health benefits of exposure to green spaces further highlights the need to preserve and promote these essential environments. Green spaces provide a sanctuary from urban pressures, encourage physical activity, foster social connections and offer a calming setting crucial for psychological resilience. Reflecting on the past year, we are reminded of nature’s beauty and the urgent need to protect it from ongoing environmental degradation. As stewards and advocates of these natural assets, we have a responsibility to safeguard, expand and nurture green spaces in our cities. By doing so, we not only support mental well-being today but also ensure a healthier, sustainable urban landscape for future generations. This year, consider allowing more time spent in nature and green spaces to be a part of your New Year’s resolution – it’s a simple step toward a happier, healthier life.
Michael Casey, Director of Evergreen Infrastructure,
Company Director, Australasian Green Infrastructure Network
On the Technical Panel for the AIPH World Green Cities Awards 2024
E: michael@evergreeninfrastructure.com.au