Why Seeing More Green Can Make You Happier

When we think of what it means to be healthy vs. unhealthy, we often use the presence of illness or disease as the sole differentiating factor between the two. However, the true nature of health is far more complex. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

As we endeavor to improve our health, that journey can help define what health means to you and how you measure your own state of complete well-being. Long-term health goals should include mental and social aspects in addition to the physical.

Is improving your mental health on your list of priorities?  As the pandemic continues making mental health a focus may be more critical than ever.

One small change that can have an enormous impact is to add more green spaces to our life.

The Benefits of Green Space

Green spaces have a direct positive effect on mental health. Many scientific studies support that living in or near green spaces positively impacts mental health.

One literature review found that having plant exposure reduced anxiety, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and improved life satisfaction, memory, creativity, productivity, attention, and self-esteem. Who wouldn’t want more plants with that list of benefits?

One study found that living in closer proximity to green areas within urban settings contributes to decreased anxiety and mood disorders. The study suggested that the green areas helped with mental health both because of the green space’s visibility and the active participation of people in the green spaces.

Living near green spaces can also indirectly affect your mental health by providing you with areas to participate in outdoor and nature-based activities. Having the ability to enjoy these activities in an environment that is both safe and beautiful can enhance our overall experience. This comes in the form of decreased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Being in a natural setting and hearing the sound of water, the chirp of a bird, or the rustling of leaves can ground your mental focus, increase mindfulness, and renew your connection to the earth.

More green space in the community also means less noise and air pollution, which can also lower stress levels. One study highlighted that having more green areas in the community increased physical health, mental health, and health equity across the entire population.

All in all, there are many benefits to living near green spaces AND utilizing them for physical activity.

Creating a Green Space in Your Home

But what if you live in an urban area with less green space available to you?

That is ok! You can create your own green spaces inside your home to enjoy those same health benefits.

Taking care of plants reduces stress – when you take care of a plant, you improve feelings of compassion. It can be nice to connect with a living thing (and plants ask less of you than a pet or human connection). It can help decrease feelings of loneliness, especially for those living alone. Ask anyone with a “plant baby,” and they will tell you the benefits that having plants has brought into their lives.

It is soothing to take care of your plants. Taking care of your plants can often serve as a gentle reminder that YOU also need food, water, and sunshine, as well as some love and attention.

Connecting with nature can reduce your overall feelings of mental fatigue and increase feelings of relaxation.

Having plants in your workspaces at home can help to improve concentration on tasks. One study found that employees in a room with plants performed a memory test 19% faster than the control group in a room without plants.

If you are continuing to work from home for the foreseeable future, sprucing up your workspace with some plants may help memory and improve your concentration level.

Take-Home Tips

Locate green spaces around your home using city, county, or state web resources. The National Parks Service and National Forest Service websites can also be a helpful tool for finding large, outdoor spaces ripe for exploration.

Typing in “green spaces near me” on a Google search gave me a list of local parks, city recreation lists, and a handful of state and county resources.

Another option is to put your address on google maps and zoom out from your location; there you will be able to find the parks and green zones nearest your home. Some small parks are absolute treasures and can be hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.

Ask friends and family for recommendations. If you have kids, ask other moms about their favorite parks. If you prefer to hike, ask fellow hikers for recommendations.  

If you want a space that is easily accessible – consider adding more plants (inside and outside) at home. Gardening can be an excellent physical activity, and if you are planting a food garden, you get the bonus of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If indoor plants are more your speed, consider getting indoor plants that you can nourish and take care of year-round.

The Bottom Line

Accessing more green spaces in your home and in your community helps decrease anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder while improving life satisfaction, memory, creativity, productivity, attention, and self-esteem.

There are many benefits to spending more time surrounded by the beauty of nature. On top of that, exercising in green spaces gives an added mental boost to the physical benefits we expect.