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Embracing the Healing Benefits of Nature’s Green Spaces

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Southern Cross Care

Embracing the Healing Benefits of Nature’s Green Spaces

There is growing evidence that spending time immersed in nature, and more specifically green spaces, has a positive effect on our body and mind!

 

What is a green space?

A 'green space' refers to any area with vegetation, whether it's a park, garden, forest, or even street greenery. Ideally, they’re a short distance from where you live and can give you a break from congested urban areas.

 

How do they work?

There have been a number of hypotheses formed to try to explain the connection between nature and physical and mental well-being.

Green spaces tend to be calming environments where people can connect with nature, unwind, and escape the hustle and bustle of their daily routines. It's believed that people living near such areas have more opportunities for physical activity and socialising as they provide large, open spaces that can serve as a sanctuary for meditation, exercise, or a simple leisurely stroll.

Another hypothesis suggests that heightened exposure to micro-organisms can strengthen the immune system, thus decreasing the likelihood of chronic diseases and premature death. Some of the natural chemicals emitted by trees, namely phytoncides - organic compounds with antibacterial properties - may have health-promoting effects. Simply being outside also increases your exposure to sunlight (Vitamin D), which strengthens the immune system as well as triggering the production of serotonin, a hormone that causes feelings of positivity and relaxation.

 

What does the research say?

There have been a number of major studies over the years that have found benefits to being in and around green spaces.

A 2018 meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes posted in the journal of Environmental Research found that exposure to green spaces can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and premature death. It can also increase sleep duration, reduce diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, and significantly reduce levels of salivary cortisol – a physiological marker of stress.

A 2022 Australian cohort study posted in the journal of Heart, Lung and Circulation, tracked cardiovascular events and mortality across 10 years of linked health data and found that urban green space, particularly trees, can reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Forest bathing, inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, is a wellness practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest or similar natural environment to experience the therapeutic benefits nature provides. A recent 2023 meta-analysis posted in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing suggested that forest bathing can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

 

Boost your dose of nature

Here are some simple ways to get some more green space into your life:  

  • Explore. Visit parks, botanical gardens, or even cafes that are in view of trees or another natural landscape. Take a walk, read a book, or catch up with friends within these spaces.

     

  • Exercise outdoors. Grab a yoga mat and do your workout routine outside if weather allows. If you like more intense exercise, go for a hike and try different trails.

     

  • Get gardening. You can grow plants and veggies while increasing your time spent outside. You can also bring nature into your home with the plants you have grown.

 

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