I walked into Gamble Garden in Palo Alto without expecting much. I thought it was just an empty, small garden.
But, a group of people were sitting together, eating lunch and talking. Some were on benches, having quiet conversations. It was peaceful. No one was in a hurry.
This garden was more than just flowers and trees. It was a place where local people met, ate lunch, and shared their thoughts. I didn’t plan to stay long, but the calm feeling made me stop and sit for a while.
Research says even just sitting in nature helps reduce stress and depression. I felt that. Big cities need more places like this. These “pocket parks” can help people feel better, meet friends, and take a break from busy life.
Mental disorders are more prevalent in cities, yet the global impact of urban nature on mental health remains insufficiently understood. Here we address this gap by systematically reviewing 449 peer-reviewed studies and conducting a meta-analysis of 78 field-based experiments to quantify the effects of various urban nature types on 12 mental health outcomes. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that exposure to urban nature provides substantial benefits for a broad spectrum of mental health outcomes. Green spaces such as urban forests and parks emerged as key elements in mitigating negative moods, such as depression and anxiety, and enhancing overall mental well-being. In particular, the benefits of nature exposure are most pronounced among young adults, although consistent positive effects are evident across all age groups. These findings highlight the importance of safeguarding and expanding access to urban nature as a key strategy for enhancing public health and well-being in cities worldwide.
