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There are few better arguments for living near a park or some other green space than the fact that it actually helps prevent you from going insane. Seem crazy? It's anything but--there's now scientific evidence that keeping some greenery in the vicinity is good for your mental health.
The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, has found that the impact of living near green spaces is "is particularly noticeable in reducing rates of mental ill health," according to the BBC. It's also, not surprisingly, better for plain ol' physical health, too: rates of 15 out of 24 serious diseases were drastically lower in those who lived near green areas.
And the more green in an area, the better--both physical and mental health improve as the amount of green per kilometer increases. From the BBC:
The annual prevalence of anxiety disorders for those living in a residential area containing 10% of green space within a one kilometre (0.62 miles) radius of their home was 26 per 1000 whereas for those living in an area containing 90% of green space it was 18 per 1000.
Anxiety disorders and depression were the most affected by proximity to green space--if you live farther away from parks or the like, you're much more likely to be afflicted by either. You're a whopping 21% more likely to be depressed if there are no green spaces nearby! This makes a lot of sense--few would argue that open, green areas have a calming, tranquil, restorative effect. Living in a gray, urban sea does not.
So what do you need to do to reap the benefits of green spaces? Simple--live near one. The study found that you only reap the benefits of living near green spaces if you live within 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) of one. And the benefits are especially felt by children, the study finds.
If you live more than half a mile away from a park or any other greenery, it looks like it might be time to think about moving--for the sake of your mental health.
More on Green Spaces
Tall Cities = Green Cities?
Urban Parks Help Defeat Inequality
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