The Healing Power of Nature: Study Shows Diverse Urban Parks Boost Mental Wellbeing by Up to Eight Hours

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has revealed that spending time in areas with a diverse range of natural features and species can lead to stronger improvements in mental wellbeing compared to areas with less diversity. The study, which used a smartphone application called Urban Mind to collect real-time reports on mental wellbeing and natural diversity from nearly 2000 participants, found that environments with a larger number of natural features like trees, birds, plants, and waterways were linked to increased mental wellbeing. These benefits were found to last for up to eight hours.

Lead author Ryan Hammoud, a research assistant at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, suggests that a new approach to urban parks is needed. This means moving away from heavily curated monocultural areas with mown grass, which typically have low biodiversity. Instead, researchers are advocating for greener and healthier urban spaces that mirror the biodiversity of natural ecosystems. By understanding how natural diversity boosts mental wellbeing, researchers aim to guide the development of urban areas towards spaces that promote overall wellness.

The results of this citizen-science study provide a compelling basis for creating more diverse and vibrant parks that offer a range of natural features for people to enjoy. As urbanization continues to spread across the globe, it’s essential that we prioritize the creation of spaces that not only promote physical health but also support mental wellbeing.