A to Z

green space

·September 2, 2019·4 min read

Anxiety and depression: why doctors are prescribing gardening rather than drugs

Exposure to nature has been shown to help improve depression and anxiety symptoms. Many mental health professionals are recommending patients spend time gardening as a therapy. The main treatment benefits may be seen when a person enters a community gardening project, which helps develop social and cooperative skills, as well as providing support for those with mental health conditions.

This shows a parent and child walking in the park

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 4, 2019·4 min read

Children don’t like nature as much as adults, but preferences change with age

Younger children tend to prefer urban environments, but older children tend to prefer natural settings. Findings suggest an affinity for nature develops gradually during life rather than being inherent at an early age.

This shows a sad looking woman on a crowded city street

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 5, 2020·4 min read

Cities increase your risk of depression, anxiety and psychosis – but bring mental health benefits too

While the risks of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis are significantly higher for urban dwellers, researchers report there are some positive impacts on mental health for those who live in big cities.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 26, 2019·3 min read

How is urban green space associated with mental health?

Living close to an area with more tree canopy is associated with a lower risk of psychological distress and improved general health.

Featured Psychology

·November 9, 2020·6 min read

Human Wilderness Connection Has Psychological Roots and Could Reduce Disease Risk

Feeling calm after spending time in nature is a sign your psychological needs are being met, a new study reports. People's attachment to wilderness can be explained by their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

This shows people sitting in a city park

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 28, 2022·5 min read

Living in Areas With More Greenery May Boost Cognitive Function

Living near green spaces improves processing speed, cognitive function, and attention in addition to improving mental health, researchers report.

This shows a child's drawing of trees and animals

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 12, 2021·3 min read

Nature Draws Out a Happy Place for Children

Children raised in areas without much access to green space consider nature to be their "happy place", a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 12, 2019·3 min read

Seeing greenery linked to less intense and frequent cravings

Spending time in nature can help reduce the strength and frequency of cravings.

This shows sun light shining through trees.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 16, 2015·4 min read

Spending Time in Nature May Enhance Immune System and Benefit Health

A new study links spending time in nature with better health and enhanced functioning of the immune system.

This shows two little girls walking in a park

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 1, 2021·4 min read

The Risk of ADHD May Be Lower if Children Grow up in Green Environments

Children who grew up in residential areas surrounded by green space were less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than those who were raised in areas without access to nature.

This shows people walking in a city park

Featured Neuroscience

·November 24, 2019·4 min read

Urban green space can prevent premature deaths

A meta-analysis of nine longitudinal studies reveals urban green spaces are significantly associated with a reduction in premature mortality. A 4% reduction in premature mortality was linked to each increment of 0.1 in vegetation score within 500 meters of residential buildings.