Green Spaces & Mental Health

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Did you know that spending time in nature can have many physical and mental health benefits? Taking advantage of green spaces, such as parks, sports fields and public picnic areas, can be a great way to appreciate nature and give your mind a break. There are many green spaces around the City of Ottawa that you can enjoy, and chances are there is one you can enjoy right in your own neighbourhood! If you don’t live near green spaces, you can even create your own in your own home using potted plants. There are lots of creative and fun ways to make green spaces in your home which can be found online. Taking even a few minutes of your day to appreciate nature through green spaces can have a big positive impact on your health and help with stress reduction.

Mental health conditions are one of the main sources of disease burden worldwide; the gap between the need for treatment and its provision is still wide. There is evidence of a positive relationship between levels of neighbourhood green space and mental health well-being. Due to COVID-19, people had to go on lockdown in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Being isolated can take a toll on our mental health; it makes us feel lonely and can also increase stress and anxiety. As previously mentioned, green spaces have a positive impact on mental health. People that live in neighbourhoods with green spaces tend to have less mental distress, less anxiety & less depression and a greater overall well-being compared to those who live in areas with less green spaces.

When it comes to choosing a green space in which to relax or do an activity, there are several criteria to consider. First, it is important to respect the current Public Health guidelines; for example, always stay 2 meters away from others outside. Second, choose a space with limited pollution to best serve our mental and physical health. Avoiding light pollution is crucial, especially at night, as it can interfere with our sleep cycle. Noise pollution itself can have an effect on affect sleep, hearing and cardiovascular systems. Finally, while air pollution is usually quite minimal in most of Ottawa, it’s important to keep in my as it can still affect your health. It is therefore necessary, when choosing an appropriate green space, to prioritize spaces where there is little artificial light (particularly in the evening), and far from roads, industrial, construction or urban areas (to avoid noise and air pollution as much as possible).

What’s better than enjoying some green space and spending time outdoors especially during these difficult times? There’s lots to do such as visiting parks, walking trails, and doing summer sports as the weather gets warmer. If you’re in Ottawa this summer, then you should check out these beautiful places!

Beaches:
  • Britannia Park
  • Mooney’s Bay
  • Westboro Beach
Walking trails:
  • Jack Pine
  • Mer Bleue Bog
  • Pink Lake
Summer sports:
  • Renting kayaks, canoes, sailing, boating
  • Running or walking
  • Basketball, soccer, tennis, horseback riding and more!
By spending time outdoors, it helps to improve mood, offers the “feeling of getting away” like an escape, and reduces stress. Whether you’re in Ottawa or another city, spending a small amount of time outside to enjoy what nature has to offer can go a long way. :)

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