Henry David Thoreau, an American author and pioneer naturalist, was raised during the early years of the American Industrial Revolution, where he witnessed the immense growth of industrial and technological innovation. However, he found himself pulling toward nature. He chose, in contrast to society, to live the simple life and to artfully connect with the earth, also known as green space. Thanks to decades of research, we now know that access to green space improves mental health, creates a greater sense of well-being and decreases levels of anxiety and depression.
Today’s world is not too different from Thoreau’s. Rapid technological advancements, social media, virtual reality and artificial intelligence have created a society far removed from nature. It may be time to take a note from Thoreau’s playbook.
How do green spaces lead to improved wellness?
Green spaces – often used to define parks, trails and access to nature in urban areas – include land with natural vegetation that is open to the public. Enjoying green spaces promotes healthier levels of cortisol and decreases the prevalence of preventable disease.
In an influential longitudinal study, researchers found that individuals who moved to areas with more green space showed marked improvement of mental health even years after the move. The opposite was identified for those moving to areas with less access to green space, and there was a notable decline in their mental health during the first year after the move.
How can you get the most benefit from green spaces?
Accessing green spaces is free therapy. Minor changes in your routine can significantly impact your mental health and well-being. Have your morning coffee outside, take lunch to your local park and use local trails to increase your exposure to green spaces. Such activities also promote socialization. Whether you make it a family affair, meet friends for a walk or just enjoy people watching, getting outdoors can meet your social needs. Even access to artificial green spaces can promote well-being. (I say this as I type with a large tapestry of a forest behind me on my office wall.)
A variety of existing and emerging theories show remarkably positive responses to time in nature and there are still more theories that people are discovering. I encourage you to spend time in nature, whether it’s enjoying a local park or admiring a picture of the ocean. Take your mind away from the stress of the day and focus on being present in the moment with whatever green space you are in. As Thoreau once said, “We can see great dignity and beauty everywhere in the natural world, even in its small and mundane events.”
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