10/01/2026
Spending time in nature and exposure to the colour green are consistently associated with positive effects on mental health and overall well-being, supported by research in psychology, neuroscience, and environmental health.
Natural environments, particularly those rich in green vegetation, are linked to reduced stress and physiological arousal. Studies show that time spent in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, reflecting reduced activation of the stress response system. This calming effect supports emotional regulation and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and psychological distress.
Exposure to nature is also associated with Improvements in mood and emotional well-being.
People report greater feelings of calm, vitality, and positive affect after time in natural settings compared with built environments. The Attention Restoration Theory, suggests that natural environments engage attention in a gentle, effortless way, allowing cognitive resources depleted by sustained focus and stress to recover. This restoration contributes to improved emotional balance and mental resilience.
Cognitively, time in green environments has been shown to enhance concentration, working memory, and creative thinking. Experimental studies demonstrate that even brief exposure—such as walking in a park—can improve performance on tasks requiring attention and problem-solving compared with urban settings.
The colour green itself appears to play a role in these effects. Green wavelengths are relatively easy for the human visual system to process, which may reduce sensory strain and promote a sense of calm. Green is also strongly associated with growth, safety, and renewal, aligning with the biophilia hypothesis, which proposes that humans have an innate affinity for natural environments shaped through evolution.
Overall, regular exposure to nature and green spaces supports mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, restoring cognitive capacity, and promoting physiological balance. These effects highlight the importance of access to green environments as a simple, evidence-based contributor to psychological well-being.
