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 We all know how important trees are to the continuation of life on this planet; without an abundance of trees creating oxygen and removing C02, human life would be unsustainable. But what you may not realize is that, in addition to their essential uses for oxygenating the planet, trees and contact with nature, in general, can actually help to improve our overall health and general mental well being too.

The more trees we plant, and the more access we provide to green spaces for the general public, the better their overall health will be. Here are just some of the reasons why planting trees and getting closer to nature is beneficial to both health and wellbeing:

THE BENEFITS TO MENTAL HEALTH

Spending time outdoors surrounded by nature (such as trees, plants, and wildlife) has been shown to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. For individuals struggling with mental health issues (such as depression, disordered eating, or overcoming the mental health impact of addiction) lowering these levels can be a key aspect of their treatment plan, which is why so much of mental health treatment now focuses on creating a pleasant recovery environment for those patients who need additional support. Spending time in an unpleasant environment can cause to increased levels of stress: this in turn can lead to higher levels of anxiety, in conjunction with feelings of sadness and helplessness. These mental sensations can manifest themselves physically in the form of increased heart rate, high blood pressure, continuous muscle tension, and they can even suppress your immune system (making you more susceptible to bugs and infection). However, a pleasant environment (such as a garden or tree lined park) can reverse this impact, and improve recovery time and mental well being.