March 1st

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: nature good for mental health

There’s yet another scientific study that shows living in a neighborhood with more birds, shrubs, trees and other living landscapes is good for your health. The natural environment, U.K. scientists found, helps reduce depression, anxiety and stress.

The research results were published in the Bioscience journal. To conduct the research, scientists surveyed the mental health of over 270 people of different ages, incomes and ethnicities.

Those who spent less time outdoors than they typically do reported they were more anxious or depressed. Additionally, the number of birds that people could see from their home or office in the afternoon had a positive impact on mental health.

This is just one more reason to plant something green in your yard this spring! Our living landscapes not only benefit the environment, but they also attract wildlife, such as birds. Studies like this one continue to prove the importance of nature to our mental health.