Parks and green spaces can promote physical activity and connection to nature, as well as opportunities for community engagement.
Nature-based therapies are used as part of alternative, cost-efficient treatment plans.
But what are some of the ways in which green spaces can improve our health, whether it may be physical or mental?
This article helps you learn more about the connection between parks, green spaces, and your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
A stroll outdoors may just be what you need. Want to locate a local park near you?
Check out Area Guides. This website is a handy navigation tool that includes information on outdoor spaces, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other essential places.
Health Benefits From Parks and Green Spaces
Parks and green spaces can provide people with benefits such as cleaner air, physical activity opportunities, emotional well-being, and stress relief — at no cost.
Green space includes both natural ecosystems and parts of the built environment.
Examples are parks, greenways, any outdoor area where plants are growing, like gardens or forests, and privately owned yards.
Parks also protect the earth by reducing pollution, guarding against inappropriate development, and mitigating urban heat islands.
Parks benefit entire communities, fostering the development of social cohesion and strengthening relationships among individuals in those communities.
Improves Mood
A stroll can lift your mind by increasing blood flow and circulation to your brain and body.
Walking is known to release endorphins, which help you feel better and build some positive emotions.
Spending time in green spaces significantly reduces cortisol, a stress hormone. Nature also boosts endorphin and dopamine levels—both of which promote happiness.
Reduces Stress
Studies indicate that people who feel more connected with nature are often happier and more likely to report a strong sense of purpose in life.
Nature can create a calm, joyful feeling and inspire creativity.
Research also claims that exposure to green spaces lowers stress levels, reduces rates of depression and anxiety, and helps improve general well-being.
Several studies have also found that having a live plant in the room can influence people’s stress levels.
Improves Mental Health
Exposure to nature is linked with various psychological benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of psychiatric disorders.
People who feel more connected to nature are also less likely to suffer from poor mental health, such as depression and anxiety.
Improves Mindfulness
Urban green spaces allow people to enjoy nature, relax and take a break from the stresses of life.
Though urban parks and apartment plants may seem like backdrops, they can also benefit your well-being.
The spaces we inhabit can affect our bodies and minds in subtle and obvious ways.
Several studies have concluded that meditative activities performed in green spaces are more effective than those performed in other settings.
Improves Physical Health
Parks provide venues for many activities that we enjoy—such as sports, jogging, biking, and swimming.
Research shows that people with better access to nature tend to be healthier than those without such access.
Individuals who spend time in nature experience various physical and emotional benefits, including lower blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and stress hormone production.
According to public health researchers Stamatakis and Mitchell, the benefits of exercise may extend beyond quality-of-life improvements into life expectancy.
Nature is a natural distraction that helps us cope with pain. Out of this instinctual affinity toward nature, we tend to focus more on green or growing objects rather than pain-causing stimuli.