From Blue to Green

Why ‘Green Time’ is important for wellbeing

Many of us will have memories of being told to play outside when we were kids. Our parents motive was most likely to get us out of the house, but chances are they weren’t aware of the full benefits to our wellbeing.

Unfortunately, the increase in urban-living means many of us spend less time in nature and more time in artificial light (Blue Light) and it’s taking a toll on our mental health and wellbeing.

Scientists have been discovering for some time that accesses to nature or even viewing scenes of nature improves health and well-being, aids people’s recovery from illness, helps prevent disease and even cope with pain. (1) 

Research has revealed that when it comes to exercise, even just 5 minutes in nature has shown to have a positive influence on well-being.

Health, Nature and Sustainability Research Group’s associate researcher from Deakin University in Melbourne, Dr Rona Weerasuriya, says

“Nature allows the opportunity for people to experience relaxation, rejuvenation, improved affective states and connect with people, among a host of other health and wellbeing benefits. Simply escaping out into nature provides the freedom, relaxation and physical activity, which is needed and known to have a positive impact on mental states such as anxiety and depression.” (2)

This may be why many urban office spaces are going green with the addition of office wall gardens and plants. (3)  There is strong evidence supporting the benefits of plants in office spaces for reducing stress, negative mood, increasing creativity and focus. (4).

Intuitively most of us know that being in nature is good for us, but given the amount of research backing this, it’s good reason to have a daily ‘green time’ ritual to make us feel energised.  This could be a simple walk around a park in your lunch-break, walking your dog and focusing on the environment around you or doing some gardening when you get home. Whatever your ritual, going green each day will help your feeling of wellbeing.

References:

(1) https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/environment/nature-and-us/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing

(2) https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/research-projects/research-projects/beyond-blue-to-green-the-health-benefits-of-contact-with-nature-in-a-park-context-literature-review

(3) https://www.ngia.com.au/Story?Action=View&Story_id=1686

(4) https://www.ngia.com.au/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=1430

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