Humans are the offspring of nature, Mother nature has always been there for us human beings but in this urbanized world, we are now getting away from nature and greenery. All these tall buildings and urbanization can be fascinating but in reality, it can not bring happiness and satisfaction for us.
As modern human beings, our way forward in this world would be to support greenery and should strive to incorporate as much greenery as we can in our cities. These green spaces can enhance life satisfaction as researches show that greenery has a positive effect on the wellbeing of humans. Additionally, fostering such initiatives is a crucial part of our environment responsibilities, ensuring that future generations benefit from a healthier and more sustainable urban ecosystem.
According to research, 95% of the participants when they were interviewed said that being outside in greenery enhances their mood and reduces stress.
To emphasize the importance of greenery and the relationship between a green environment and life satisfaction we have curated this article so read on and get an insight into the effects of greenery on human beings and their mood.
Understanding Life Satisfaction: Key Factors and Metrics
If we have to understand the relationship between life satisfaction and greenery we first have to understand what life satisfaction actually means for us. Lofe satisfaction means the happiness and contentment of human beings with their lives and the measurement of how well their lives are going.
The life satisfaction of us humans depends upon so many factors including, financial stability, relationships, the GDP of the country we are living in, and most importantly the environment.
Moreover, key factors in our life satisfaction are great health, positive mental health, and improved happiness.
A study conducted on 10,000 participants showed that they on average human beings feel mentally relieved and less stressed in the company of plants. That means having more greenery around us can surely have an effect on our life satisfaction.
As per the world happiness reports those who live in greener environments score higher on the life satisfaction matrics and those who live away from greenery score less.
The Benefits of Green Spaces for Mental Health and Well-Being
After getting too advanced in technology people are now getting to know the importance of plants, trees, and green spaces. One of the biggest advantages of greenery is its positive effect on one’s mental health. Some amazing benefits of green spaces for mental health and well-being are as follows
Plants can reduce stress:
If you spend more time around greenery or in green areas you will likely have less stress, and anxiety and will feel happier. People who live around greener spaces have reported that they feel when they have the company of greenery and they have less stress in their lives.
A study done in Sydney showed when workers were given a greener environment to work they showed a 30% reduction in tension, 58% less depression, 44% less anger, and 38% less fatigue.
Greenery can enhance one’s mood:
Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed you can feel a lot better when you take a walk in a park or on a road that has long trees on both sides? If yes have you ever wondered why that happen? The reason for this mood change is the presence of plants.
Greener areas improve productivity
It is proven that those who work and live in greener environments have high productivity. Researches show that greenery can improve memory retention and attention span by almost 20% which can increase productivity and that inturn can give life satisfaction to human beings.
Physical Health Improvements Linked to Green Environments
Let’s look into physical health improvements linked to Green Environment.
Increase physical activity:
People who live on small streets with no access to parks and green spaces tend to live a sedentary life and do not have enough space to jog or walk around.
In contrast, people living in areas where they have nearby parks and green spaces tend to have increased physical activity and have improved physical health.
Cardiovascular health benefits:
Those who take regular walks in green spaces have less risk of having heart related diseases as most heart diseases are caused by a less active lifestyle.
Better respiratory health:
Due to industrial smoke and cars, our environment is getting polluted and respiratory diseases are becoming common nowadays. If your surroundings have greenery your air quality will be better as plants can filter the air, we all know that plants absorb CO2 and release oxygen which improves the air we breathe in.
Moreover, plants can absorb toxins from the air and give us an environment to breathe in. These pure surroundings can lower the risk of respiratory problems.
Give us a strong immune system:
Those who have a weak immune system should spend more time in nature as having a greener environment can boost one’s immune system.
These green spaces can expose us to different microorganisms that can boost our immune system. The more we are exposed to these microbes the stronger our immune system will get.
Economic and Social Benefits of Green Spaces
Green spaces, including parks, gardens, and urban forests, provide numerous economic and social benefits that significantly enhance the quality of life in urban areas.
These benefits range from increasing property values and reducing healthcare costs to fostering social cohesion and community well-being. Here’s a closer look at how green spaces contribute economically and socially.
Economic Benefits
● Increased Property Values
One of the most direct economic benefits of green spaces is the increase in property values. Homes and businesses located near parks and green areas often see a rise in value. A study by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) found that properties within 500 feet of a park can see a value increase of up to 20% compared to those further away.
This appreciation in property values not only benefits homeowners but also increases local tax revenues, which can be reinvested into community infrastructure.
● Attracting Businesses and Tourism
Green spaces make urban areas more attractive to businesses and tourists. Companies often choose to locate their offices near parks and recreational areas to provide employees with pleasant working environments and opportunities for relaxation and exercise.
Similarly, tourists are drawn to cities with abundant green spaces, contributing to the local economy through spending on accommodation, dining, and activities. Cities like Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Canada, are prime examples where green spaces have boosted tourism and local businesses.
Social Benefits
One of the other important factors of having satisfaction in life is being social and having a great social life. Yes, that can be true as humans are social animals and they feel happy in the company on other human beings.
Being alone at home will not give humans the satisfaction of meeting new people and making friends. If we go to parks and green tracks frequently we can find new people and can share a part of our life with them.
The Role of Urban Planning in Creating Green Environments
Urban planning plays a critical role in integrating green spaces into cities and towns. Effective urban planning ensures that green spaces are accessible, well-maintained, and evenly distributed across urban areas.
Planners must consider factors such as population density, land use, and environmental sustainability when designing urban green spaces.
Incorporating green roofs, vertical gardens, and urban forests into city planning can maximize green space in densely populated areas. For example, Singapore is renowned for its innovative approach to urban greening, with extensive rooftop gardens and green walls that contribute to the city’s overall green cover.
Case Studies: Communities Thriving in Green Environments
Several communities around the world exemplify the benefits of green environments. For instance, Copenhagen, Denmark, is often cited as one of the world’s greenest cities. The city has invested heavily in green infrastructure, including parks, bike paths, and green roofs, which contribute to high levels of life satisfaction among residents.
Another example is Portland, Oregon, where extensive green spaces and an emphasis on sustainability have created a vibrant, healthy community. The city’s numerous parks, gardens, and green initiatives have fostered a strong sense of community and well-being.
Practical Tips for Integrating More Green Spaces into Daily Life
Individuals can take several steps to integrate more green spaces into their daily lives, enhancing their overall well-being. Here are some practical tips:
- Create a Home Garden: Even small spaces can be transformed into green oases. Indoor plants, balcony gardens, and window boxes can bring nature closer to home.
- Use Public Parks: Make a habit of visiting local parks and natural reserves. Regular walks, picnics, or outdoor activities can significantly boost your mental and physical health.
- Support Community Green Initiatives: Get involved in community gardening projects or support local green initiatives. Community gardens provide fresh produce and create opportunities for social interaction.
- Advocate for Urban Green Spaces: Advocate for more green spaces in your community. Participate in local planning meetings and support policies that prioritize green infrastructure.
- Incorporate Green Elements at Work: If possible, incorporate green elements into your workplace. Indoor plants, green walls, and outdoor break areas can create a more pleasant and productive work environment.
Conclusion
As Global Warming is reaching the extreme low and high, green environment is the only answer to planet safety.