A new study underscores the importance of nature for mental health in urban areas and offers low-cost strategies to improve public health in cities. As the global urban population is projected to reach 70% by 2050, mental health issues such as anxiety and mood disorders are becoming increasingly widespread. Research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Stanford University's Natural Capital Project (NatCap), published in Nature Cities, reveals that even brief exposure to nature can benefit a wide range of mental health conditions.

The findings provide practical guidance for urban planners and policymakers on using green spaces as a mental health intervention offering added advantages like carbon capture and cooling effects. The research team is integrating these insights into a planning tool that can estimate preventable mental health cases and potential healthcare savings from expanding urban green space.

NatCap’s InVEST tools have long been used globally to measure nature’s benefits to people. Now, the team is developing urban-specific tools to help cities design healthier environments.

"This work fills a key gap in understanding how different types of urban nature can enhance mental health," said Kari Nadeau of Harvard Chan School. “InVEST will help shape healthier cities and lives.”

Analyzing data from nearly 5,900 people across 78 field-based studies, researchers found that all types of urban nature were beneficial especially urban forests, which showed stronger effects in reducing anxiety and depression. Young adults, in particular, experienced greater mental health improvements. Interestingly, passive time in nature (like sitting or viewing greenery) was more effective at easing negative symptoms, though both passive and active time enhanced vitality.

The study also found stronger effects in Asian countries, likely due to cultural factors that heighten nature’s psychological impact. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend not only investing in large parks but also creating small “pocket parks,” planting street trees, offering nature views from buildings, and introducing community programs like guided meditations all affordable strategies for better urban mental health.

On a personal note, lead author Yingjie Li shared that the research has changed his own habits he now walks more often, takes notice of birds and plants, and encourages friends to do the same. “Urban nature isn’t just good for cities,” he said, “it’s good for us.”

Source: https://hsph.harvard.edu/environmental-health/news/for-city-dwellers-even-15-minutes-in-nature-can-improve-mental-health/#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20from%20Harvard,range%20of%20mental%20health%20conditions