Feeling stressed and overwhelmed in an urban environment is something we are, at least it seems so, very used to. Going to work, buying groceries, and rushing to coffee dates with friends just to feel a bit relieved, then repeating all of it daily, might leave our mental health stripped.
So, in today’s fast-growing urban environment, constant online presence, and the amount of time we spend either on work or somewhere in between, rushing and stressing, the significance of mental health has never been more important.
When it comes to public spaces, they are significantly vital for the community and their well-being because we are a part of them daily. Vertical gardens and green walls are just the right start to enhance aesthetics and promote mental health.
What do these vertical gardens and green walls offer to be so beneficial? How does greenery impact mental health?
Understanding the Mental Health Benefits of Green Spaces
Imagine you left your office, packed your things, and went to the forest for a walk. As you enter the forest, you find yourself surrounded by beautiful trees, leaves, and flowers; everything is vibrant and calming, and suddenly, you feel stress leaving your body.
Green spaces are a natural aid during stressful times.
Some of the numerous benefits of green spaces on mental health include:
Reduced stress
When you’re surrounded by nature, your cortisol levels decrease, leading to reduced stress. As a result, after spending time surrounded by nature, you will probably notice an improvement in your mood.
Better cognitive function
Green surroundings can help improve your memory and spark your creativity. Researchers suggest that this is linked to enhanced mood and reduced stress. Truly, everything is interconnected.
Stronger immune system and quality sleep
Your immune system strengthens due to exposure to phytoncides found in plants. Additionally, with improved mood and reduced stress, your sleep quality improves, allowing you to sleep longer without waking up frequently.
Physical well being
When you spend time surrounded by greenery, you’re often hiking, running, or walking. This activity is directly linked to your mental well-being, helping to reduce feelings of sadness and fatigue.
Helping with depression and anxiety attacks
Anxiety attacks and depression are common challenges, and nature can provide a bit of a relief. Spending time in nature helps with the symptoms because it calms your mind and body from daily stressors.
Mental health benefits of green spaces are numerous. Because of the high number, you might wonder if adding artificial vertical gardens or green walls could have a similar effect on mental health while spending time in public spaces.
Hint: Yes!
Living Vs. Artificial Vertical Gardens and Green Walls
If you’re considering enriching a public space with a vertical garden or green wall to promote mental health, you might opt for artificial options for several reasons. When comparing artificial green walls and vertical gardens, both have their pros and cons.
For example, living green spaces contribute more to biodiversity and improve air quality; however, they require regular maintenance, including watering, pruning, and fertilizing.
While both artificial and living options can be aesthetically pleasing, artificial vertical gardens and green walls offer a consistent look with a variety of colors and styles. In contrast, living ones can vary significantly, especially if they aren’t properly cared for, are seasonal, or attract insects. Additionally, artificial green walls and vertical gardens are generally easier to install, while living options require more complex systems and careful planning.
Finally, consider the cost: artificial green spaces are budget-friendly, though they may need replacement over time. Living options require more upfront investment but can provide long-term benefits in some cases.
Both options offer multiple benefits, so you can’t go wrong with either. However, artificial green walls and vertical gardens are a low-maintenance, cost-effective solution with an easier initial installation process.
Benefits of Artificial Vertical Gardens and Green Walls: A Path to Improving Mental Health in Public Spaces
It is surprising how many benefits artificial vertical gardens and green walls have in public spaces.
Bright colors seem more inviting
With so many options available, artificial vertical gardens and green walls can make public spaces seem warm and friendly, enjoyable and inviting, while filled with bright colors – ultimately uplifting people’s moods.
Less noise for better concentration
Introducing artificial green walls and vertical gardens can create a calming and relaxing environment. They also help with filtering sounds, reducing noise pollution in bustling urban areas – the exact reason for high day-to-day stress levels.
Social well-being and less isolation
When placed strategically, green spaces can serve as gathering points in public areas, encouraging social interactions between people, effectively reducing isolation.
Better creativity flow
When integrated into public art installations, artificial vertical gardens and green walls can inspire creativity, offering great opportunities for self-expression and reflection.
Mental rest and recovery
Although it is artificial, it can still offer a respite from the fast-paced urban lifestyle, providing mental rest and recovery. It can be a nice spot for a lunch break, making that half-hour really count, and allowing employees to return to work with improved focus and cognitive functioning.
Connection to nature
Even with artificial greenery, biophilic design enables people to connect with nature, positively affecting their emotional and mental health.
Create Inclusive and Healing Spaces
Mental health is sought in all places – even the public, urban ones. To get people to enjoy themselves and to take care of their well-being, creating calming environments and gathering spots can create all the difference.
By implementing artificial vertical gardens and green walls, a big step is made towards creating a relaxed and stress-free community spot for people that urgently need a space to rest their fast-paced minds.
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Sadie’s Favorite by BPD Beautiful creator Sarah Rose is a novel that tells the story of a girl lost, a woman recovered and the trauma in between.
BPD Resources
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Start a Discussion
Have you noticed a positive mental change when spending time in nature or around green spaces? Tell us about your opinion about the use of artificial vertical gardens and green walls to improve mental health in the comments.
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