Living in the city can put a strain on the mind: light, noise and air pollution are combined with living in often reduced spaces, without a garden… But certain elements help to boost morale and boost our physical health, such as green spaces, highlights a Finnish study. Explanations.
Being exposed to a natural environment is a game-changer. At least that’s what was found in around 7,000 people living between Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa in Finland by researchers who studied them in 2015 and 2016.
Breathing the air of a green space has an impact on mental health
These people were asked about their state of mental health, and about their taking medications related to anxiety, depressionI’hypertension or even asthma. Other factors, such as the pollution surrounding their home, their socio-economic status were observed in addition.
They were asked if they were frequently in contact with the view of a “blue” universe (ocean, sea), or a “green” universe (forests, parks), and if they frequented these places: c that is to say, they weren’t content to pass by it every day, but went for a walk there.
Researchers found that those who went to green spaces, who breathed the air, who actually enjoyed them had the lowest rates of mind-altering drug use. But the fact of frequenting green spaces is also associated with less treatment for asthma and hypertension.
Conclusion ? Go for a walk in the forest as much as possible, it’s good for mental, cardiovascular and respiratory health!
Source: Cross-sectional associations of different types of nature exposure with psychotropic, antihypertensive and asthma medication, BMJ, 18 January 2023.
