UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Research shows spending 15 minutes in nature can improve mental health, particularly for young adults, reducing anxiety and depression in urban areas.
As reported by The Independent, a recent study revealed that daily exposure to nature can significantly improve the mental health of urban residents.
What did Stanford study reveal about nature and mental health?
A Stanford study revealed that nature improves mental health, especially for young people.The study published in Nature Cities reveals that brief time in nature boosts mental health significantly and may offer solutions for various conditions.
Research involving 5,900 individuals found that stationary time in parks eased mental health issues like depression more than active outdoor time. The study found urban nature boosts mental health, with forests offering the best relief from depression and anxiety.
It highlighted that young people gained greater benefits, describing it as “important” because “most mental health disorders emerge before the age of 25.”
The group plans to guide city planners and officials with models showing how expanding green spaces can improve mental health. They also highlight benefits like cooling urban heat and capturing carbon to reduce healthcare costs.
The team insisted that large parks and forests are “critical.” They urged urban planners to create pocket parks and plant more street trees in crowded city areas.
Lingjie Li’s views on the impact of increasing urban green spaces on mental health
The lead author Lingjie Li said,
“For example, we could run scenarios like: if a city currently has 20 per cent green space or tree cover, how many preventable cases of mental health disorders could be avoided if that were increased to 30 per cent? We will also be working to include estimates of the potential avoided healthcare costs associated with such improvements in urban nature.”
Dr Li stated that the research had shifted his perspective. He now prefers walking to the office and feels more connected to the greenery and wildlife around him.
He added,
“I also talk to my friends about thinking this way and encourage them to notice how even small moments with nature can make a difference. This work has helped me see that urban nature isn’t just good for cities – it’s good for us.”
Study on verbal abuse and mental health
A new study found that childhood verbal abuse can cause long-term mental harm, just like physical abuse.
A survey of 20,000 adults in England and Wales found that childhood verbal abuse can lead to emotional problems and negative thinking later in life.
The rate of child physical abuse has declined over time. It dropped from around 20% for those born between 1950 and 1979 to just 10% for individuals born after 2000.
Professor Mark Bellis’s views on the long-term effects of verbal abuse
Lead author, Professor Mark Bellis, director of research and innovation at the university, added,
“Our research shows that verbal abuse in childhood may inflict mental health scars as deep and enduring as those caused by physical abuse. Important progress has been made in reducing physical abuse, but verbal abuse is often overlooked.”
Jessica Bondy’s stance on the impact of verbal abuse on children
Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, said,
“This study confirms what survivors and professionals have long known: words can wound deeply and have a lasting impact on a child’s mental health and development. We all get overloaded sometimes, but too many adults are turning to harsh words without realising the lasting damage they cause to children.”
She added,
“Any gains made in reducing physical abuse risk are being undone by rising rates of verbal abuse. We must act now to confront the lasting harm caused by cruel, critical or controlling language. We need to build children up – not knock them down. The mental health of the next generation and our shared future depend on it.”
Urban population in the UK
- About 58.8 million people (84.5%) in the UK live in cities (2025).
- City living has grown from 78.5% in 1980 to 84.5% in 2025.
- London (8.96m), Birmingham (1.14m), and Liverpool (8.64m) are the largest. Over 40 UK cities have over 300,000 people.
- By 2050, 90.1% of people (68 million) are expected to live in urban areas.