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P
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
official
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10115290
Over half of the participants discussed engagement intensity within the physical space. Several participants referenced exercise, dancing, or other types of movement-based activities, which again correlates with greenspace literature in which opportunities for physical activities created by greenspace are associated with improved mental health . Other participants mentioned activities such as crafting, painting, sculpting, or working with tools, suggesting that physical spaces conducive to the [...] Other environments evoked feelings of anxiety, depression, lack of control, claustrophobia, or even triggered reminders of past trauma.
HHWAV11: "It just reinforced the symptoms of depression…My room is a mess."
Interestingly, there was one participant who noted that he/she/they had not considered the connection between physical space and mental health prior to the interview: [...] abstract (such as transcendent experiences of environmental immersion) . Recent studies have also shown positive associations between mental health and greenspace, or urban landscapes with vegetation features [7–10]. Greenspace exposure is thought to improve mental health through “direct mediators” such as relaxing visual stimulation and “indirect mediators” such as opportunities for positive physical and social activities . Most of the literature regarding greenspace has relied on
N
natureandhealth.uw.edu
research
https://natureandhealth.uw.edu/publications/natural-outdoor-environments-and-…
Results:Analysis of data from 406 participants showed no statistically significant associations linking mental health and residential NOE exposure. However, NOE contact, especially surrounding greenness, was statistically significantly tied to better mental health. There were indications that these relationships were stronger for males, younger people, low-medium educated, and Doetinchem residents. Perceived stress was a mediator of most associations, and physical activity and social contacts [...] While simply living near more natural spaces did not show a clear link to better mental health, actually spending time in nature did. People with more direct contact with nature — especially those surrounded by greenery — tended to report better mental health. These benefits appeared stronger for men, younger people, people with lower to medium education levels, and residents of Doetinchem. Lower stress levels helped explain most of the positive effects, while physical activity and social [...] A person runs through a park with a body of water and mountains in the backgroundUsing novel measures, researchers explored the relationship between spending time in natural outdoor environments and people’s mental health. They gathered data from 406 adults living in four European cities: Barcelona, Spain; Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom; Doetinchem, Netherlands; Kaunas, Lithuania. Researchers measured how much nature was available around the participants’ homes using mapping tools. They also
N
nature.com
article
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02365-w
correlations point to an important role of green spaces and a more generous land use as protective factors associated with symptoms of anxiety, extending previous findings linking urban green spaces to mental health11."). The relationship between the second urban environmental profile and anxiety symptoms is mediated by volume reductions in the inferior frontal regions, amygdala and cerebellar regions, including Crus I and lobule VIII. As the amygdala and inferior frontal cortex are part of the [...] (n = 13,490; Pperm < 0.001) and 0.10 in the test dataset (n = 1,498; Pperm < 0.001, PFDR < 0.001). In the anxiety symptom group, the canonical correlation r value was 0.11 in the training dataset (Pperm < 0.001) and 0.03 in the test dataset (Pperm < 0.001, PFDR < 0.001). In the emotional instability symptom group, the canonical correlation was 0.10 in the training dataset (Pperm < 0.001) and 0.02 in the test dataset (Pperm = 0.004, PFDR = 0.027). [...] microenvironmental psychosocial factors, we report the discovery of macroenvironmental physical and socioeconomic environment profiles that are linked to psychiatric symptoms. We also developed a unified model capable of integrating multimodal environmental, biological and behavioral components. The model enabled the discovery of complex living environments that affect distinct psychiatric symptom groups and uncovered the underlying biological mechanisms.
V
verywellmind.com
article
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-your-environment-affects-your-mental-health-…
Our surroundings affect more than just our daily routines; they influence our thoughts, feelings, and overall functioning. For example, street noise can disrupt concentration, while poor office lighting can hinder focus. The connection between environment and mental health is deeply intertwined. [...] The spaces where you live and work have a profound impact on your mental wellness, from your stress levels to your overall mood. How, exactly? The environment-mental health connection is complex, but in many cases, environmental factors impact mental wellness by changing brain structure and function.
Exposure to different environments can physically affect the neural pathways in the brain that are related to cognitive function, mood regulation, and stress. [...] Environmental factors can also affect our mental health in how they impact us psychologically. Your environment might raise or lower your stress levels, for instance.2 Factors like noise, natural light, air quality, and social surroundings can all shape your thoughts and emotions. This can change your mental wellness overall, either serving to protect your psychological health or opening the door for mental illness to set in.
P
psychiatry.org
article
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/social-determina…
The physical environment, including air quality, noise levels, and green spaces, influences mental well-being. For example, exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead or high levels of air pollution, is linked to increased risks of depression and other psychiatric disorders.1
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P
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
official
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8125471
The collective results from these studies suggest that nearby nature is associated with quantifiable mental health benefits, with the potential for lowering the physical and financial costs related to poor mental health. Most of these studies are cross-sectional, and reverse causation is possible. However, researchers are employing novel designs to examine the relationship between green space and mental health. For example, in a study of twins enrolled in the University of Washington Twin [...] Cross-sectional observational studies have shown evidence of positive associations between exposure to nature, higher levels of physical activity, and lower levels of cardiovascular disease. Increasingly, longitudinal observational studies have started to examine the long-term effects of exposure to nature on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Below, we summarize the key findings on mental health, physical activity, obesity, sleep, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, [...] Novel research has examined green outdoor settings as potential treatment for mental and behavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). One study demonstrated associations between green space exposure and improvement in behaviors and symptoms of ADHD and higher standardized test scores . A recent systematic review found significant evidence for an inverse relationship between green space exposure and emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents .
S
starlingminds.com
article
https://www.starlingminds.com/from-the-outside-in-how-environment-shapes-your…
Your social surroundings shape your mental well-being, even in subtle ways. Consider who fills your physical and emotional space — at work, at home, in your free time.
Do you feel supported, respected, and safe in their presence?
Do you often feel anxious, dismissed, or on edge?
The people around us often become the background hum of our mental state — this check-in is about noticing that hum and asking if it’s helping you feel grounded or pulling you off balance. [...] Try to answer honestly and with curiosity. Even simple answers can reveal deeper insights when explored with intention — offering clues into how your environment may support or challenge your mental health, and where change might begin.
#### 1. Physical Environment — What physical spaces and things are you interacting with?
Take a moment to notice the spaces you spend most of your time in — your home, workspace, and commute.
Are they cluttered or calm?
Harsh or soothing? [...] By making mindful changes to the spaces we inhabit, we can cultivate a sense of calm and clarity, and spark a ripple effect. A well-tended environment nourishes not just us, but others who share our space. By caring for ourselves and our surroundings, we quietly contribute to the well-being of our broader communities.
Try these evidence-based tips to foster environments that support mental well-being:
A
apa.org
article
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
risk of many psychiatric disorders later in life, including depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorder. For those with the lowest levels of green space exposure during childhood, the risk of developing mental illness was 55% higher than for those who grew up with abundant green space (Engemann, K., et al., PNAS, Vol. 116, No. 11, 2019opens in new window). [...] In a review of the research, Gregory Bratman, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, and colleagues shared evidence that contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress (Science Advances
, Vol. 5, No. 7, 2019
opens in new window). [...] ## Key points
Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.
Feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to well-being, regardless of how much time one spends outdoors.
Both green spaces and blue spaces (aquatic environments) produce well-being benefits. More remote and biodiverse spaces may be particularly helpful, though even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes.