Since 1973, the 5th of June is marked globally as World Environment Day.
Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it is dedicated to raising environmental awareness, promoting conservation and calling for greater protection for our planet. The theme for 2025 is ending plastic pollution. Waste plastic harms ecosystems, contributes to climate change and can build up in our bodies, causing damage that is only just being understood.
What has World Environment Day got to do with our mental health?
Although we live in the 21st century, as a species we have over millennia developed a deeply personal connection with nature.
Whether it’s a walk in the park, the sound of birds chirping in the morning, or the feeling of the sun on our skin we are constantly reminded of something profound: the state of our environment is intrinsically linked to our psychological health.
Just as we need a healthy planet to thrive physically, we also need it for our emotional resilience and mental clarity.
The science behind nature and mental wellbeing
According to the Mental Health Foundation, ‘nature’ can be defined very widely. ‘It can mean green spaces like parks, woodland or forests and blue spaces like rivers, wetlands, beaches or canals. It also includes trees on an urban street, private gardens, verges and even indoor plants or window boxes. Surprisingly, even watching nature documentaries is good for our mental health. This is great news as it means the mental health benefits of nature can be made available to nearly every one of us, no matter where we live.’ 1
Nature doesn’t just offer visual beauty; it also has a tangible impact on our brains. Research shows that spending time in natural environments lowers stress levels, reduces anxiety and enhances mood. Having access to green spaces has even been linked to lower rates of depression and improved cognitive functioning.
One key factor is exposure to natural light. Sunlight boosts the level of serotonin in our bodies, which is vital for maintaining mood balance and feelings of happiness. People living in areas with limited access to daylight often experience higher levels of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition characterised by low energy and depression during darker months.
Getting fresh air is also crucial to our mental wellbeing. Trees and plants release oxygen, which helps regulate stress hormones and promotes calmness.
Being in nature encourages physical activity, whether it’s walking, cycling or gardening, movement increases endorphins which are the body’s natural mood-lifters.
Taking exercise in green spaces has been shown to improve attention span, memory and creativity.
‘Our relationship with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress.’ 1
How our surroundings shape our emotions
Urban environments can create feelings of isolation and anxiety. The constant buzz of traffic, the air pollution and crowded spaces put us at a greater risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression.
The lack of greenery, excessive noise and environmental degradation can result in chronic stress, affecting sleep patterns and overall mental health.
On the other hand, access to nature can transform emotional wellbeing. People living in countries such as Finland and New Zealand, which are known for their extensive green landscapes, report lower levels of stress and higher life satisfaction.
Indigenous cultures also have deep-rooted connections to nature, often viewing it as an extension of their identity and spirituality. Their practices of honouring the land and living harmoniously with nature have sustained both their physical and emotional health for centuries.
As humans, we have an innate connection with the natural world – one that has been gradually severed by modern lifestyles. Rebuilding this relationship doesn’t require drastic changes, but rather small, conscious efforts to integrate nature into our daily lives.
A call to action for personal and planetary wellbeing
World Environment Day reminds us that caring for the planet isn’t just about reducing plastic waste and protecting forests – it’s also about safeguarding our mental health. So, what can we do to nurture both?
Here are five simple ways to reconnect with nature:
- Take regular walks outdoors. Even a short stroll in a park or near a river can help alleviate stress.
- Embrace mindfulness in nature. Observe the colours, scents and sounds around us without distractions.
- Unplug from digital screens. Spend time offline and immerse ourselves in natural surroundings.
- Start a garden. Growing our own plants fosters patience, connection and a sense of achievement.
- Join environmental initiatives. Volunteering for clean-ups or conservation efforts strengthens our relationship with nature.
The relationship between environmental health and mental wellbeing is undeniable. A thriving planet fosters thriving minds. Protecting nature isn’t merely a global responsibility, it’s an act of self-care.
On World Environment Day and every day, we should take a moment to reflect on how nature impacts our emotional state. Whether it’s the peace of a forest, the rhythm of ocean waves, or the chirping of birds outside a window, these natural elements shape our daily lives more than we realise.
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Here at MTS Psychological Health, I am passionate about your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Don’t suffer psychological issues in silence: get in touch and discover how I can help you to alleviate a range of anxiety and depression symptoms from mild to severe presentations.
We can discuss the best clinical way to alleviate your suffering, which may be either through a course of psychoanalytic psychotherapy or with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique / Tapping) and Aromatherapy, so you can enjoy life to the full again.
References
1 – Mental Health Foundation: Nature: How connecting with nature benefits our mental health
Further reading
United Nations Environment Programme: World Environment Day 2025
World Environment Day: Answering 10 pressing questions about plastic pollution
Earth.com: World Environment Day: The critical role of nature in human well-being
Mind: Nature and mental health
