Green Psychology

Are our cities making us unhappy? The diversity of plant life surrounding us affects several quality of life metrics such as the ability to concentrate, relax and make major life decisions. The Frontal Cortex reviews a couple studies that demonstrate the potency of plants in determining our mental health, and while this isn’t to suggest we should all abandon cities for an idyllic life on the farm, we should recall that we were born into Nature, not into concrete and glass mazes. The studies demonstrate the even small interactions with plant life—house plants and a view of trees from the window—can improve our mental well-being. “In fact, just glancing at a photograph of nature led to measurable improvements, at least when compared with pictures of city streets,” says Frontal Cortex author Jonah Lehrer.