The idea of green space benefiting mental health is not a new one. Even without reading scientific studies, many of us recognise that we feel better when we’ve spent time with nature. But if you’re struggling to get out of the house, knowing how green space improves mental health might help you find the motivation you need.
In this blog, we look at what conditions green space can help with, different ways of exploring the natural world and how spending time in nature complements other therapies.
How does a green space improve mental health?
When we go for a walk in a green space, we often find that our cortisol (stress hormone) levels lower, so we feel less stressed. This is because green spaces give our senses lots of cues to relax. These include hearing birdsong, seeing a huge variety of colours, feeling the ground beneath our feet, smelling flowers and even tasting berries!
Engaging with nature is also a great way to stay in the present, stopping our time-travelling thoughts and appreciating a moment when only good is happening. When we pause to look at a squirrel climbing a tree, for example, we give our full attention to it, giving our minds a brief – but valuable – break from worry.
Being outside in green spaces can also improve our mental health through physical exercise. One of the easiest ways to connect with somewhere green is to walk through it, immediately giving ourselves the benefits of physical activity.
If you’re having difficulty sleeping, going outside during the day can help reset your circadian rhythms. The sunlight will remind your body that it is daytime, improving your chances of being ready to sleep when night falls.
Often, green spaces create opportunities to be with other people, whether that’s meeting up with a friend for a walk or joining a community wildlife project. Being with other people helps us to be more outward looking – a great way to find a sense of proportion when everything gets on top of us. Even just sharing a smile with another person out for a walk can break a negative thought pattern and bring us back to earth.
How can I spend more time in green spaces?
There are loads of ways to gain the benefits of green spaces. The most obvious is just to go into the countryside and enjoy a walk. Or you could sit on a hillside and enjoy the view. You might try wild swimming!
But these ideas might not be open to you – some of us feel vulnerable out on our own; it’s also difficult to get to the countryside without a car. If that’s the case, consider teaming up with a friend, or joining a walking group.
How does being outside complement other therapies?
While going outside is not an instant cure for all mental health problems, it does support almost all other types of therapy. When we receive therapy for anxiety, for example, it can be comforting to know we have another tool to help us bridge the gap between appointments. And the relaxation that we gain from being in a green space can help us take on more benefits from our next therapy session too.
To find out more about what we offer at the Evolve Therapy Centre, explore our site or get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
