In urban environments, it's more crucial for human beings to connect with nature for several reasons due to the increased time spent indoors or surrounded by man-made structures.
Nature-connections significantly enhance wellbeing by providing relief from the stresses and pressures of city life. Time spent in green spaces has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and overall psychological distress, promoting better emotional balance and resilience.
Interacting with nature in cities also encourages physical activity, community interactions and fosters healthier lifestyles which reduces the risk of chronic diseases associated with sedentary and isolated urban living.
Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, and blue spaces; bodies of water, often serve as communal spaces which also can foster social interaction, create a sense of place and belonging with others and our natural world. Feeling the sense of belonging can promote environmental awareness and stewardship, and can encourage actions to conserve, restore and enhance urban ecosystems.
Green Spaces help improve air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and support biodiversity, and research varifies they contribute to creating more sustainable and livable cities. Overall, nurturing a connection with nature in urban environments enhances quality of life and life expectancy, fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world, and promotes many social, personal and environmental wellbeing benefits.
Interacting in natural spaces within a city environment are noted to benefit our surrounding environment, and also directly benefit us:
Mental Well-being: Nature has a calming effect on the human mind. Spending time in natural environments can improve mood and overall mental well-being. Engaging with nature within urban environments has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Research from the University of Michigan suggests that even brief interactions with green spaces can significantly improve mood and cognitive function. (Source: "The Relationship between Nature Connectedness and Happiness: a Meta-analysis," Frontiers in Psychology)
Physical Health: Engaging with nature in cities encourages physical activity and promotes exercise and movement, which is essential for maintaining good health and contributing to improved cardiovascular health, lowered blood pressure, and enhanced overall fitness levels. Studies conducted by the University of Exeter indicate that urban green spaces promote regular exercise and healthier lifestyle choices. (Source: "Green Space and Physical Activity: An Observational Study Using Health Survey for England Data," Health & Place)
Community Cohesion: Green spaces in cities serve as gathering places where people can come together, socialise, and build stronger community bonds. This sense of belonging and connection is vital for overall societal well-being. Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology suggests that access to green spaces in cities strengthens social ties and promotes a sense of belonging among residents. (Source: "Urban Green Space, Public Health, and Environmental Justice: The Challenge of Making Cities ‘Just Green Enough’," Landscape and Urban Planning)
Improves air quality: Trees and vegetation in urban settings act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. Studies by the World Health Organization demonstrate that increasing greenery in cities can mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution, resulting in cleaner and healthier urban environments. (Source: "Urban Green Spaces and Health," WHO Regional Office for Europe)
Enhances cognitive function: Exposure to nature in urban areas has been shown to enhance concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Research conducted by the University of Chicago indicates that spending time in green spaces within cities can improve cognitive performance and mental clarity. (Source: "Attention Restoration Theory: A Systematic Review of the Attention Restoration Potential of Exposure to Natural Environments," Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health)
Supports biodiversity: Urban green spaces provide habitats for diverse plant and animal species, contributing to urban biodiversity conservation efforts. Studies by the National Audubon Society highlight the importance of preserving and expanding green corridors within cities to sustain local ecosystems and promote ecological resilience. (Source: "The Importance of Urban Green Spaces for Birds and People," Audubon)
Reduces urban heat island effect: Vegetation in cities helps mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and evaporative cooling. Research from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that increasing green infrastructure in urban areas can help regulate temperatures and reduce energy consumption associated with air conditioning. (Source: "The Urban Heat Island: Implications for Health in a Changing Environment," Environmental Health Perspectives)
Enhances property values: Proximity to parks and green spaces in urban settings correlates with higher property values and increased real estate demand. Studies conducted by the University of Washington demonstrate that access to nearby nature amenities enhances the desirability and marketability of residential properties, benefiting homeowners and local economies. (Source: "The Relationship between Trees and Human Health: Evidence from the Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer," American Journal of Preventive Medicine)
Environmental Awareness: Interacting with nature fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the environment. It encourages individuals to become more environmentally conscious and engage in practices that promote sustainability and conservation. There is a noted "positive association between participants’ exposure to natural environments and an increased sense of connection and stewardship towards nature. Participants experienced a reduced sense of fear in outdoor environments while their comfort levels in natural areas grew. Their values associated with natural areas changed... Their journeys also augmented naturalistic understanding, increased their sense of connection with their surroundings, nurtured a desire to continue visiting natural areas and, for most, inspired their will to participate in employment or volunteer initiatives to improve the state of the environment." (Source: "Outdoor journeys as a catalyst for enhanced place connectedness and environmental stewardship" Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education)
Enhances overall quality of life: Incorporating nature into urban landscapes enhances the overall livability and attractiveness of cities, contributing to residents' satisfaction and well-being. Studies by the University of Melbourne indicate that access to green spaces in urban environments improves perceived quality of life indicators, such as happiness, sense of place, and social connectedness. (Source: "Public Green Spaces and Positive Mental Health – Investigating the Relationship between Access, Quantity, and Types of Parks and Mental Well-being," Health & Place)
Greensong ''nature-reconnection'' offerings take on a variety of forms, with the most popular being:
Edible Gardening workshops, which ara a tangible and delicious way to connect with our nature, our food, and local environments
Nature Mindfulness Group Eco-Therapy sessions. Together we explore ecological awareness and strengthen relationships with nature, self, and our human community. Register if you are seeking to deepen your understanding and connection with the natural world, heal and regenerate, tune into your senses, intuition and inner wisdom and meet like-minded people.
1:1 Nature-Guided Walks are tailored for individual focus, intent, aim or challenge.
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