Green spaces are good for you. The more you connect with nature, the better you feel, both mentally and physically. Plants can work wonders for your overall well-being. Unfortunately, nature is often seen as something to enjoy only in your free time—almost a luxury—when, in fact, daily access to nature should be a basic right.
That’s why our cities need to be filled with vibrant greenery. Trees and plants can make urban spaces not only more beautiful but also healthier and more resilient to climate challenges.
In this Blooming Blog, we’ll explore the healing power of plants and share six reasons why incorporating greenery into our daily lives is beneficial for both mental and physical health.
One of nature’s greatest strengths lies in its positive impact on mental health. We recently wrote about Kaplan & Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory, which contrasts the ‘hard fascinations’ of modern life with the ‘soft fascinations’ of nature. These are the gentle stimuli that capture our attention without demanding it—like the rustling of wind through leaves, birdsong, or the changing of the seasons.
Research from hospitals shows that patients recover faster when they have a view of greenery. A plant-rich environment helps reduce stress and lower blood pressure, which is undeniably beneficial. This is why more hospitals are incorporating greenery as a core element of their healing environments. The richer and more beautiful the planting, the better. Take, for instance, what we’ve done for Radboudumc. Other studies have shown that children with ADHD use less Ritalin when they have regular access to nature. In fact, plants can even improve concentration: children in classrooms with plants absorb up to 20% more information. Additionally, research has revealed a positive link between greenery and better sleep quality.
Humans have been walking this planet for around 200,000 years, but it’s only in the last few thousand years that we’ve started living in cities. In other words, our primal brains are wired to need nature. We find it beautiful and it energizes us. That’s why being around nature makes us happy. The richer the natural environment, the happier we become. Every week, our team receives dozens of messages from people who share how our work has brightened their lives. This isn’t just superficial happiness either—green spaces significantly reduce the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. For example, a study from Denmark’s Aarhus University found that children raised in green environments are up to 55% less likely to develop mental health problems later in life. Now that’s a societal win!
Plants encourage people to step outside and nurture their environment. Of course, it has to look good—neglected greenery doesn’t bring much joy. But with well-maintained green spaces, there’s a world of benefits to gain. Since we landscaped the shopping center in Zwolle Zuid, even local teenagers are behaving better, according to the property manager. Green spaces encourage the use of public outdoor areas, can reduce aggressive behavior, and foster a greater sense of safety. Greenery bridges differences and brings people together—like the office coffee machine, but in a much more natural way.
Your physical and mental health are deeply interconnected—when you feel physically well, your mental state improves, and vice versa. However, to clearly illustrate the benefits of greenery, we’ve separated the ways plants positively impact both mental and physical well-being. Here’s how greenery enhances your physical health.
Plants have the ability to convert pollutants into clean air. Outdoors, this effect becomes measurable in large parks, but with indoor plants, the impact is noticeable much sooner. Fine dust particles and CO2 are transformed into oxygen, releasing water vapor that improves air quality and has a positive effect on our respiratory system. The richer the indoor planting, the better. For example, employees at Lab Digital work in an ‘office jungle,’ experiencing firsthand the benefits of enhanced air quality.
Green spaces give us energy. A park or other natural environment invites movement, indirectly helping your body produce positive chemicals and improving physical fitness. This effect is particularly noticeable in children. According to Wageningen University, children living in greener neighborhoods have a 15% lower chance of becoming overweight. More hospitals are also adding green walking paths for “recovery walks,” aiding the healing process through gentle physical activity.
Recent discoveries highlight how nature strengthens our immune system. Our bodies host countless microbes, many of which are beneficial, while some can be harmful. Over the past few hundred years, we’ve focused on eliminating harmful bacteria, often overlooking the bigger picture. Nature helps restore this balance. Just as biodiversity benefits the environment, it also boosts our body’s microbial diversity, known as the microbiome. Regular contact with nature enhances this diversity, strengthening our immune system. The greater the biodiversity, the stronger the microbiome. To ensure true biodiversity, we’ve developed the 5 G’s of biodiversity: healthy Ground (soil), diverse Greenery, a year-round Growth arch (bloom cycle), efficient Gushing (watering), and careful Gardening.
Physical and mental health go hand in hand, and plants help bridge this connection. Being in a green environment reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. Less stress leads to improved overall health and reduces the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and other related conditions. Nature’s calming effect not only improves mental well-being but also leads to better physical health.
Want to Learn More? Come Visit Us!
Feel free to reach out to Tanja (t.vanderknoop@bloomingbuildings.nl). She started Blooming Buildings with the belief that people in cities deserve more greenery. Tanja also has firsthand experience with the power of healing environments. When she was an organ donor she often had to visit Radboudumc, which made her think, “This experience could improve so much and benefit from the use of plants.” So, she took the initiative, and the result is what you see today.
Curious about what we’ve achieved? Take a look at some of the beautiful projects we’ve completed for various clients.
In short, we’d love to introduce you to the magic of the plant world!
