 Photo by Bea Berces on Unsplash Life can be hectic, and many of us feel more anxious or down when we spend too much time separated from nature. It turns out science backs our gut feeling that even a short time in nature can lift our spirits. A new Harvard/Stanford study found that even a little time in greenery provides big benefits for mental health. Mood and anxiety disorders are on the upswing – but green spaces can be a quick and easy antidote. For example, researchers note that adding trees and parks can actually prevent cases of depression and anxiety, and lower healthcare costs.
Embedding parks, street trees, and gardens throughout our communal living spaces helps people relax, connect, and stay active. In practice that means pocket parks and sidewalk trees make a real difference. Even having a window that looks out at plants or water can boost your mood. The researchers suggest more quiet nature nooks and community events like guided “park meditations” as low-cost ways to help everyone feel better. So what did the study actually show? The team pooled data from almost 6,000 people across dozens of experiments. They found that pretty much any kind of urban nature helps, but heavily forested parks were best at cutting anxiety and depression. Young adults saw the biggest boost. This is great news since most mental health issues surface before age 25. Interestingly, just sitting quietly in a green spot often eased depression more than an active workout did (although both made people feel more energetic). In other words, your body and brain benefit whether you’re biking through the park or simply taking 10 minutes to relax on a bench under a tree. Galloway isn’t exactly a busy traffic filled metropolis. But getting exposed to nature is just as important for those of us in South Jersey as it is in Philly or New York. How can you get a dose of nature right here at home? The great news is we have pools of green right in our backyard. Try exploring one of these local spots:
Just 10–15 minutes spent outside can dramatically shift your mood. Try sipping your morning coffee outside under a tree, or spend part of your lunch break on a quick walk. If you work or sleep near a window, keep it open or add a plant to brighten the view – even that simple change has been shown to help. One researcher found that noticeably appreciating these little moments – he started walking more, looking for birds on his commute, and chatting with friends about nature – made a real difference in his own happiness. Even small nature breaks add up. Remember that wandering around a neighborhood park or tending a potted plant at home really does help your brain relax and recharge. And if you ever find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety or sadness, we’re here to help you find more ways to feel good – whether that’s more green time, new coping skills, or both. Book an appointment today and let’s talk about how to add more peace and resilience to your life, one easy step at a time.
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