The connection between our surroundings and mental well-being has always fascinated me. Nature, with its soothing landscapes and vibrant colors, has a profound impact on our emotional state. Among all the colors of the natural world, green stands out as a powerful ally in promoting positive mental health. In this article, we’ll explore how the color green can positively affect our mental well-being. This includes the benefits of spending time in nature and bringing green plants into our living spaces, offering natural remedies for the mind.
The Psychological Influence of the Color Green:
The color green has a unique psychological impact on our minds, often associated with feelings of calmness, tranquility, and rejuvenation. Psychologically, green promotes balance and harmony, instilling a sense of calmness and naturalness. Studies showed a potential link between the exposure to the color green and mental well-being, such as reduction in stress levels, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, making it an easy tool to take advantage of when considering enhancing mental health.
The Healing Power of Walking in Green Spaces:
Walking outside amidst lush greenery can have profound therapeutic effects on our mental health. Research has consistently shown that spending time in green spaces, such as parks, forests, or gardens, can lead to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased feelings of well-being.
A met-analysis study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology (Barton & Pretty, 2010) found that individuals who engaged in outdoor activities in green environments reported improvement in self-esteem and mood, compared to those who exercised indoors or in urban settings. This was true for both males and females. Berman et al. in found in their study that nature exposure offered cognitive and affective benefits. Participants who took walks among trees, away from traffic and crowds showed improvement in their working capacity and positive affect. This suggests that exposure to nature could potentially help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Green Spaces and Cognitive Restoration:
One fascinating aspect of spending time in green spaces is its impact on cognitive restoration. Being in nature can alleviate attention fatigue, a common occurrence in our fast-paced modern lives. Green environments provide a respite for our overstimulated minds, allowing us to focus better and experience a mental recharge.
The therapeutic benefits of green spaces are particularly evident in individuals with attention disorders, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders (Kuo & Faber Taylor, 2004) reported that children with ADHD demonstrated improved concentration and attention after spending time in green outdoor settings. Such findings need further exploration, however open the avenue to explore a more natural approach to the treatment for ADHD. More rigorous studies are needed to establish the roles of green spaces. A systematic review titled ‘Long-Term Exposure to Greenspace and Cognitive Function during the Lifespan: A Systematic Review,’ published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found that the available evidence for the beneficial role of greenspace exposure on cognitive functioning is still limited. However, a beneficial association remains and should be taken seriously across the life course.
Greenery at Home: A Sanctuary for Mental Health
Bringing the color green into our living spaces can also have significant positive effects on mental health. Houseplants not only add aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a calming and stress-reducing atmosphere.
A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology (Lee et al., 2015) aimed to explore not only the psychological benefits of interacting with indoor plants but also physiological effects. They divided participants into two groups: one group transplanted indoor plants, while the other group worked on a computer task. The researchers conducted psychological evaluations and measured heart rate variability and blood pressure for both groups, subsequently comparing the results. The study found that participants who interacted with plants were able to suppress their sympathetic nervous system and had lower diastolic blood pressure. Those who interacted with plants reported feeling ‘soothed’ and ‘natural,’ while individuals working on computers felt ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘artificial.’ These findings suggest that the presence of green plants in indoor environments can foster a sense of connection with nature, even in urban settings, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being
Incorporating the color green into our lives, whether through walking in green spaces or nurturing indoor plants, can have a profound impact on our mental health. The calming and rejuvenating qualities of green contribute to reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, fostering a sense of well-being and connection to the natural world. So, let’s embrace nature’s hue and harness its healing power not only nurture our own mental health but also contribute to a more harmonious and balanced world.
