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DimitySenior Contributor
Visiting nature has therapeutic benefits.
It seems green spaces make us happier and we might visit blue spaces when we're anxious.
See Happy days are nature days: visiting nature has positive spill-over effects for the entire day among people with and without common mental health disorders: The Journal of Positive Psychology.
Sorry I can't give the url, Google won't let me.
In response to: Green and blue spaces
holdinghope5Senior Contributor
Thank you for sharing! @Dimity 💚🍃
In response to: Re: Green and blue spaces
Unknown userMember
Blue, white and green are known for the calming abilities. Makes sense that being in nature amongst plants and/or watching blue sky and clouds are all calming and relaxing.
😊. @holdinghope5 @Dimity 🌿🌥️
In response to: Re: Green and blue spaces
DimitySenior Contributor
The blue spaces are on or beside water I think @Former-Member
In response to: Green and blue spaces
Till23Senior Contributor
Perhaps this is the link for The Journal of Positive Psychology article
https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2025.2549296
In response to: Re: Green and blue spaces
DimitySenior Contributor
Thanks @Till23 yes that's it
In response to: Green and blue spaces
0ddsidianSenior Contributor
Hey @Dimity
I absolutely agree with this! I worked in the therapeutic horticulture space several years ago and learnt so much about the benefits of green spaces (in particular). I read this PhD thesis that is incredibly relevant and also focused on Australia.
@Till23 @Former-Member
In response to: Re: Green and blue spaces
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
Love it @Dimity yes yes yes
saw some green yesterday, need to keep blue in the mix
lol
💙🍎
In response to: Re: Green and blue spaces
Unknown userMember
@Appleblossom @Dimity @0ddsidian @Till23
My first full time job was in area of unemployment and jobseekers. White and blue colours were used in certain locations due to their known calming effect.
red was a colour used in certain of locations as it was viewed as energetic colour
How I forgot about water I have no idea. Some of my favourite spots for relaxing and has calming effect on me are being near rivers, waterfalls and the bay
In response to: Re: Green and blue spaces
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
I looked at the abstract @Till23 thanks for link
@Dimity
@Former-Memberc colour often makes a subtle difference.
@holdinghope5 @0ddsidian
it mentioned blue wasn’t as conclusive as green and more study was needed
i understand blue can be also associated with risk, but some really love it
will we really be able to control for all the variables when it comes to different human associations?
isnt that like all the comedians being dreadfully serious?
Still I like the reminder to get closer to nature
hugs
🐳
🌿🍇🍎
In response to: Re: Green and blue spaces
0ddsidianSenior Contributor
It's a really interesting area, @Appleblossom . I worked with some Occupational Therapists several years ago who were doing some projects around this.
Green and blue are definitely two colours that elicit a sense of calm and balance in me. I become so peaceful (sometimes to the point of tears) when I'm by the water.
On the contrast, I worked in the toy section of a store for several years when I was younger and I was incredibly overwhelmed by a lot of colour (plus artificial light). I was in a meeting with @tyme a few weeks ago and the (physical) room we were in was VERY orange, which overwhelmed me.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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