#Greenspaces

A growing body of international research shows a strong link between living near greenspace and better mental health. People close to parks, rivers, or tree-lined streets report fewer mental health issues, with some studies noting reductions of up to 60% in certain conditions. This underscores the role of urban design in public health and the mental well-being of residents.

For busy Thai cities, especially Bangkok, these findings offer practical guidance. Ready access to walkable greenspaces helps reduce stress and digital fatigue, encourages community interaction, and promotes outdoor activity. The takeaway is clear: greener neighborhoods support healthier, more vibrant urban life.

Recent research is making waves in the mental health and urban planning communities: people who live near nature and greenspaces experience a staggering 60% reduction in mental health problems compared to those in less green environments. This new finding, reported by Earth.com, underscores the profound influence of natural surroundings on our collective psychological well-being, drawing renewed attention to the role urban design plays in public health (Earth.com).

For urban residents across the world—including those squeezed into the high-rise concrete jungle of Bangkok—these findings offer both hope and a call to action. Bangkok, where access to lush public parks can be limited, faces growing mental health challenges as societal pressures and digital lifestyles keep more Thais indoors and on screens. Understanding the protective effects of greener environments could chart a new course for the nation’s approach to city planning, public health, and the evolution of Thai urban life.

In recent years, the phrase “go touch grass” has gone viral on social media platforms, evolving from Gen Z’s favorite online insult into an unexpectedly effective piece of wellness advice. What began as a tongue-in-cheek way to tell someone to step away from digital disputes and reclaim perspective now carries new weight, as scientists worldwide have increasingly found that reconnecting with the natural world can significantly combat the effects of modern burnout and mental fatigue (VegOutMag).

A growing body of science confirms what many in Thailand have long suspected: time in nature can ease burnout and mental fatigue. The idea of “go touch grass” has moved from a playful meme to a movement backed by research showing real benefits for mental well-being.

With more Thais spending indoors and long hours in front of screens, stress and burnout are rising. A January 2025 systematic review found that exposure to nature yields measurable improvements in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Data from Thailand’s health authorities align with global findings, highlighting nature as a practical tool for public mental health.

In an age of mounting mental stress worldwide, new research and celebrity testimony are converging to spotlight actionable tools for living with anxiety. At the recent New York Times Well Festival in Brooklyn, a panel featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter and Broadway star Sara Bareilles, a leading psychology professor from the University of California, Berkeley, and the host of the popular podcast “10% Happier” outlined practical ways in which anxious individuals can reclaim their sense of peace. The conversation, which built on the latest well-being science, is especially relevant as anxiety rates continue to rise—reflecting a pressing concern for many Thai readers following the global mental health crisis.

Anxiety is rising worldwide, but researchers and public figures are offering practical tools. At the New York Times Well Festival in Brooklyn, a panel including Sara Bareilles, a psychology professor from a leading U.S. university, and the host of a popular wellbeing podcast shared actionable strategies. The discussion aligned with the latest science on well-being and aims to help Thai readers facing similar stressors.

Global data show anxiety disorders increasing over the past decade due to modern life pressures, economic uncertainty, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 era. In Thailand, Department of Mental Health surveys indicate a notable rise in people seeking help for anxiety, especially among younger adults and students. Breaking silence about mental health remains important in Thai society, where stigma around psychiatric conditions is slowly easing and openness can encourage care seeking.

A recent feature highlights a therapist who uses nature-based therapy to support mental health recovery. By weaving outdoor environments into treatment, this approach aims to enhance psychological well-being and resilience. As mental health needs rise worldwide, nature-focused therapy offers a refreshing, human-centered option that aligns with people’s connection to the environment.

Nature-based therapy, also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, rests on nature’s restorative effects. Unlike traditional sessions in clinical rooms, therapists invite patients outdoors to engage with trees, water, and open spaces. This practice acknowledges how natural surroundings can ease anxiety, depression, and stress, reflecting a growing trend among professionals to incorporate outdoor activities into treatment plans.