For many of us, urban life means being surrounded by concrete, steel, and glass, which can make the day-to-day feel stressful and more hectic than we’d like it to be. But by placing some green space around our homes and workplaces, we can bring nature back into our daily lives without having to leave the city center entirely or even set foot in a park or forest. If you’re wondering why you should plant trees in an urban environment, check out these surprising ways that urban forestry affects our mental health!
What is Nature Deficit Disorder?
According to research, time in nature can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. So what exactly is Nature Deficit Disorder? It’s a term used to describe the negative effects of too little time spent in nature. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even obesity. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help alleviate these symptoms. Time in nature has been linked to improved memory, creativity, mood, self-esteem, empathy for others as well as reduction of stress hormones. One study found that hospital patients with more exposure to natural light were less depressed than those without it. Another study found that people who spend more time in natural environments were happier than those who don’t. Spending just 20 minutes outdoors per day can make you feel more alert and energetic! Researchers believe this may be because the brain associates being outside with activity, which increases dopamine levels and keeps us feeling happy. We recommend taking your lunch break outside every day to help combat feelings of laziness or fatigue. Not only will you get some fresh air, but you’ll also enjoy increased productivity while eating healthier food choices. When we’re not connected to nature, we’re often disconnected from ourselves as well which can lead to feelings of isolation or depression over time.
What makes urban environments so much different than natural ones?
The hustle and bustle of city life can be quite overwhelming at times. There are endless amounts of concrete, glass, and steel as far as the eye can see. And, with so many people crammed into such a small space, it’s no wonder that our mental health can suffer. Luckily, we have found that there is an easy solution to these problems: urban forestry. Planting trees in cities has shown to lower anxiety levels and reduce the rates of depression in residents. In addition, they improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is also worth noting that green spaces in densely populated areas promote biodiversity. When trees are planted close together, they create homes for birds and insects while also providing shade from the sun for humans. With so many benefits, it’s hard to believe that cities don’t already include more green spaces.
How can we protect ourselves from this issue?
We can protect ourselves from the negative effects of living in an urban environment by creating and maintaining green spaces. These spaces can be large or small, but they should be designed to provide a place for people to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, we can try to incorporate more plants and trees into our everyday lives, even if we don’t have access to a green space. Finally, we can support organizations that are working to create and maintain urban green spaces. By investing in these types of projects, we are providing people with a vital resource to improve their mental health and well-being.
Mental health is something that affects everyone – it’s important to remember that there is always someone out there who has it worse than you do. Try not to compare yourself with others too much, focus on your own strengths and build on them instead!
How nature impacts our mental health
It’s no secret that spending time in nature can have a positive effect on our mental health. But what you may not know is that even small doses of nature can have an impact. Studies have shown that looking at pictures of nature can help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. In fact, one study found that when people were exposed to images of greenery for just five minutes, they felt less stressed and had improved moods. Even the sounds of waterfalls or birds chirping can evoke calmness for those who live in cities with little to no access to green spaces. And according to research from the University of Michigan, urban dwellers who spend as little as 30 minutes per week walking through natural environments showed decreased symptoms of depression, higher levels of social support, and enhanced self-esteem. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your work day or feeling anxious about making a big decision, grab your phone and take a quick look outside (even if it’s just through your office window). You’ll feel better in no time!
