Studies have found that regularly going out into green space can drastically improve mental health. And lead to individuals feeling happier, healthier and more satisfied with life.
This 2023 study, ran by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), found the connection between green space and overall mental wellness. Following the success of trial studies in both the Peak District and Scotland, green space could soon be prescribed to people struggling with poor mental health.
Since 2017, the percentage of undergraduate students who have reported experiencing a mental health issue over the course of their degree rose from 6% to 16%; with the majority of that increase happening since last year’s cost of living crisis. That’s one in six students at every UK university.
The financial burden and academic pressure of universities has never been a great environment for mental health. But from covid to strikes to the cost of living, current university students have had it extra tough. And this has clearly taken it’s toll on their mental health.
Participants in this landmark study were given ‘idea calendars’ of what to do when they get outdoors. These regular outdoor activities could be bird watching, looking for certain plants or simply a walk in the park. This could be completed alone or in a group.
The study found that over 74% of participants said they benefited from being more connected to nature and 87% said they’d continue with using green space as a support for their mental health. Talking to Newcastle University Students, we discussed their relationship with mental health and green space.
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RSPB England’s nature and wellbeing project manager, Sarah Walker, told The Independent: “We’d love to see nature as a part of every health professional’s toolkit in the future. So many people are faced with a whole range of pressures in their lives and nature could provide a way to help them through.”
All students need the escape of green space to get away from the stress of university and the paved inner cities. This free therapy can actually reduce the stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression of university life. Studies show a regular exposure to nature can make individuals less aggressive, more creative, more open-minded and healthier. All we need is a little dose of the great outdoors every now and again.
To find out more about the RSPB and Nature Prescriptions, Click Here.