RESEARCH

Can Even a Small Amount of Greenery Be Helpful in Reducing Stress? A Systematic Review

The review found that small-scale greenery, such as potted plants or green walls, significantly reduces stress by improving physiological and psychological responses like blood pressure and mood. While promising, further high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings and optimize the use of greenery for stress relief.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Burnout/Workplace Stress, Students, Industry Professionals

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Schools/Educational Settings, Hospitals/Clinics, Workplace Environments, Urban vs. Rural Settings, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design, Nursing

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, AI/Digital Tools in Therapeutic Horticulture

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

This systematic review examines whether small-scale greenery, such as potted plants, green walls, or pocket parks, can help reduce stress. The authors analyzed 19 studies conducted across eight countries, focusing on both indoor and outdoor small-scale greenery. Results showed that exposure to even small amounts of greenery can lower stress levels by reducing blood pressure, pulse rate, and anxiety while improving mood and attention. Activities like caring for plants or simply viewing them were found to have immediate calming effects. However, the review also highlighted some limitations, such as inconsistent study methods and biases, which make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

Overall, the review emphasizes that small-scale greenery is a practical and accessible way to promote mental well-being in urban environments where large green spaces are limited. It suggests that incorporating greenery into homes, workplaces, and urban designs could benefit people’s mental health. The authors call for more rigorous research to better understand the long-term effects of small-scale greenery on stress reduction.

Link

Gu, J., Liu, H., & Lu, H. (2022). Can even a small amount of greenery be helpful in reducing stress? A systematic review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 19, 9778

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