A Garden Is Good For Your Health
A quarter of Brits could be putting their wellbeing at risk by failing to spend enough time in the 'right kind' of outdoor space or garden, according to a review of research by leading woodcare manufacturer, Ronseal, and prominent psychologist, Professor Geoff Beattie.
This ‘lack of green’ phenomenon, which can manifest itself as negative emotions such as stress, apathy or anxiety, is a result of a lack of exposure to well-maintained, appropriately designed, and leafy outdoor surroundings.
It is thought that people may be more affected in spring and summer when they feel they should be spending more time in their garden or outdoors.
Now Geoff has teamed up with Ronseal to offer advice on how Brits can detect the 'flash points' that can lead to the complaint, as well as developing quick and simple ways of combating it.
Five key triggers
1. Over-exposure to concrete or overly built up environments
2. Too much time spent in noisy, busy and over-stimulating environments
3. Poor natural light balance - whether too bright or too dingy
4. Poorly maintained garden spaces - messy areas full of rubbish, clutter or dead plants and flowers
5. A lack of fresh air
How to beat it
1. Take time. Spend at least one hour a day outside in a green, well maintained and attractive garden or outdoor space. Exposure to the natural environment has a major restorative effect, helping you to unwind and diverting your interest and attention without being overwhelming in terms of stimulation.
2. Make the most of whatever space you have. Whether it’s just a window box, balcony or garden, natural views elicit positive feelings and block or reduce stressful thoughts. Try and ensure you maximise the views of nature from your home or office - perhaps opening blinds or repositioning furniture in daylight hours.
3. Are you sitting comfortably? Research shows sitting in the garden has a particularly restorative effect. Invest in some good quality wooden furniture, which enhances rather than detracts from the view [and make sure you protect it from the elements with a quality wood protector.
4. Keep on top of things. Keep your garden well maintained. Overgrown and unkempt gardens are likely to cause negative thoughts and have a bad effect on mood. If something needs work it is likely to play on your mind.
Broken or poorly looked after furniture or fences will evoke similar responses, spoiling the natural environment and acting as a constant, stressful reminder of work needing to be done.
Geoff Beattie, comments: "We’re all familiar with the idea that lack of green space can impact on your mood, but whether people actually do anything about it is another matter. Of course not everyone has the luxury of a two acre garden, but whatever space you have, you can make the most of it, whether it’s a window box or a backyard.
"While parks and public spaces play their role in improving moods, it’s also important to ensure your own private space is maximised. There is something very powerful about having access to your own well-maintained outdoor space.
"So, working with Ronseal we’ve identified how people can make positive changes to their garden, with a view to improving moods. Key garden 'flash points' that can have a negative impact on your mood can be easily avoided if you know what to look out for."
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