Why We Crave Natural Spaces
We all know how rejuvenating it feels to spend time in a green space, whether in an urban park, forest, or even our own backyard. It naturally uplifts our mood, reduces stress, and brings a sense of balance and clarity. I have written plenty about Nature Rx and how it’s essential to our well-being. From weight loss and increased oxygen uptake to a reduction in anxiety and depression, being in nature is just plain good for us. This includes blue spaces — waterfalls, rivers, lakes, streams, canals, and, of course, the sea. If it includes greenery, all the better. Here’s why.
The Power of Green
The color green is often associated with rebirth, renewal, fertility, vibrant health, new beginnings, and fresh starts. This aligns with our associations of springtime when an explosion of life bursts onto the scene with new leaves, sprouts, and the growth of plants after a season of fallowness. These perceptions are hardwired into our psyche, according to a 2024 study in the British Ecological Society, and indicate how we perceive well-being that’s associated with abundance in our environment.1
This “greenery hypothesis” suggests that our need for green spaces is rooted in our ancestral heritage. Bare trees and shrubs in cold seasons or during droughts indicated a threat and lack of food, whereas a lush, green landscape signaled plenty of opportunity for foraging and resources. This hypothesis is deeply rooted within us today, even though we have access to an abundance of food through local and international shipping, regardless of the season.
For modern humans, the color green still indicates well-being, and when we don’t have access to it out in the natural world, it can lead to depression and anxiety.
The authors note in the study:
“Our proposed hypothesis states that humans have adapted to periodic severe drought and re-watering cycles by developing both negative and positive psychological responses to the absence or presence of greenery within the landscape as cues to optimize their own behavioral activity. … However, in modern urbanized societies with limited greenery, this psychological system may lead to non-adaptive negative effects, such as increased stress and depression.”
The team points out that green spaces are crucial for physical and mental health in urban environments and stresses the need to restore natural environments in these areas to address the increasing rates of poor psychological health in contemporary society.
We can all take a cue from these findings and make it a priority to seek out green spaces in our communities and enjoy them often. We can also cultivate an oasis of green in our yards by planting trees, shrubs, and other plants. If you live in an apartment, a sunny balcony or window can host potted plants for a touch of stress-relieving greenery.
All-Natural Relief
If you find chronic stress and/or anxiety is prominent in your life, herbal remedies offer an all-natural option that pairs well with spending time in green spaces.
My Anxiety & Stress Blend helps the body adapt to stress, calms the nervous system, and eases anxiety and depression. It is a potent formulation of lemon balm and adaptogenic ashwagandha, along with lion’s mane and reishi medicinal mushrooms. I believe this is an essential tincture blend for modern life! Here are the benefits of each herb:
LEMON BALM
- Helps brain function
- Soothes ADHD symptoms
- Enhances sleep quality
- Anxiolytic (soothes anxiety) and helps calm the body and mind
- Antioxidant properties help protect nerves
- Known to ease PMS symptoms
- Encourages GABA production, a calming neurotransmitter
ASHWAGANDHA
- Adaptogenic
- Helps calm inflammation
- Soothes anxiety and depression
- Helps balance hormones
- Helps quiet the stress response
- Supports cognitive function including attention, processing speed, and memory
LION’S MANE MUSHROOM
- Helps with inflammation
- Enhances cognitive function
- Helps with sleep, anxiety, and depression
- Enhances energy by helping with blood oxygen levels
REISHI MUSHROOM
- Helps suppress inflammation
- Helps strengthen the body against the negative effects of stress, including: hormonal imbalances, high cortisol, fatigue, brain fog, and low-energy.
- Promotes quality sleep, helps alleviate adrenal fatigue, and encourages healthy immune function.
DEEP, RESTFUL SLEEP — I WAKE UP RECHARGED THE NEXT DAY!
“Every time I take it [Anxiety & Stress Blend] in the evening, I have deep restful sleep and wake up very recharged the next day with a noticeable reduction in both stress and anxiety.”-Julian
Stop by my apothecary today to learn more about this powerful formulation and many other natural remedies that can help you to achieve your wellness goals!
Nicole Apelian
Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post
Anxiety & Stress Tincture
References
- Fukano, Y., & Soga, M. (2024). Greenery hypothesis: An evolutionary explanation for why presence/absence of green affects humans. People and Nature, 6, 422–434. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10619
