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Mushroom foragers in a forest in Kivikko, Helsinki. Photo: Heikki Ketola/Vastavalo

Green spaces protect our minds and bodies

Contemporary everyday life is busy and stressful. Urban environments in particular feature a great deal of distractions, such as light pollution and noise. In the built environment, green spaces provide significant ecological value, but they also have health benefits. People are drawn to nature to relax and recover from their busy lives. Time spent in nature eases stress and alleviates many physical and psychological symptoms. It reduces high blood pressure and helps with allergies, anxiety and depression.

Green spaces are dwindling and biodiversity is weakening in built environments. Our health is one important reason for ensuring diverse green spaces. We need more research on which types of green space are most efficient in promoting health.

Link to article:

Nature-Based Interventions for Improving Health and Wellbeing: The Purpose, the People and the Outcomes