The mental health benefits of green spaces

“PUBLIC green spaces offer a different kind of mental health benefit – they connect us to the broader community and create a shared experience of nature,” says Damien Trinne.

A former groundsman at England’s prestigious Lords Cricket Ground, Broadgate Estate and Wentworth Golf Club, and now a mental health coach with Australian Unity, Damien brings a unique perspective to the wellbeing value of green environments.

“Spending time in parks, botanical gardens or community gardens helps us step away from home and engage with the wider world,” Trinne says.

“These places encourage movement, relaxation, social interaction and can spark inspiration and creativity – providing a welcome break from daily stress.”

Damien’s reflections echo the concept of biophilia, popularised by biologist Edward Osborne Wilson, which suggests humans have an innate connection to nature.

This shows up in the peace we feel in natural surroundings and our tendency to seek greenery even in urban settings.

Research supports this, with green spaces and gardening shown to reduce stress and anxiety, lift mood, improve focus and sleep, speed recovery and increase feelings of calm.

“There’s extensive scientific evidence showing how powerful nature can be for mental health,” Trinne says.

“Just breathing fresh air or feeling the sun can be grounding. For me, stepping into the garden – even briefly – feels like pressing a reset button and helps me return to the present moment.”

At Australian Unity’s Geelong Grove Retirement Community, residents enjoy a wide variety of beautifully maintained gardens, communal veggie gardens and professionally landscaped grounds designed to support their wellbeing.

The community features wide, tree-lined streets and established greenery throughout.

All homes include their own private courtyard or fenced backyard, giving you the freedom to create a garden that’s truly your own, all within a warm, secure and welcoming community focused on real wellbeing.

Learn more by searching Australian Unity Geelong Grove online or call 1300 295 834.

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