RESEARCH

Nature: How Connecting with Nature Benefits our Mental Health

The main result of this report is that fostering a connection with nature, even in small everyday ways, has significant benefits for mental health. To ensure these benefits are available to everyone, it’s crucial to address inequalities in access to quality natural spaces and actively promote nature connectedness in our communities and policies.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Schools/Educational Settings, Community Gardens, Residential Programs, Workplace Environments, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Social Work, Landscape Design, Education

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Environmental Education, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Free

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Summary

This report looks at the strong connection between nature and our mental well-being. Nature isn’t just about vast wilderness; it includes parks, gardens, trees in cities, and even watching nature documentaries. The report emphasizes that our relationship with nature, how much we notice and appreciate it, is really important for good mental health and preventing stress. During the pandemic, many people in the UK found that visiting green spaces helped them cope. The quality of our connection with nature, described as ‘connectedness’ (feeling emotionally attached to our natural surroundings), is a key factor in these benefits. People with a good nature connectedness tend to be happier and have lower levels of anxiety and depression.

However, access to high-quality nature isn’t equal for everyone. People in deprived communities, those in urban areas without gardens, younger adults, people with disabilities, and those from ethnic minorities often face barriers and may feel unsafe or unwelcome in natural spaces. The report highlights the need to focus on helping people connect with nature in their everyday lives, close to home, through simple activities like noticing the nature around them. It also makes recommendations for governments and local authorities to improve access to nature, protect biodiversity, and make green spaces safe and inclusive for all.