Stress reduction

The sensory stimuli present in natural environments—the sounds of birdsong, for example, or the sight of plant life—may dampen physiological stress. READ MORE.

Improved air quality

Not only are green spaces free of heavy traffic, they may themselves filter out air pollution—a known cause of many human health problems. READ MORE.

Physical activity

Some of green spaces’ beneficial effects might stem from the ways people experience these environments—hiking or jogging, for example, or spending time with other people. READ MORE.

Exposure to soil

Microbes living in natural environments, particularly in soil, may influence the development of the human immune system and overall health. READ MORE.