The Atlantic: Green Spaces Make Kids Smarter
“Spending time in nature is correlated with better mental health, attention, and mood in both children and adults,” states a recent Atlantic article. These findings, from a study conducted by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, confirm long-held beliefs about the health and psychological benefits of living and working amid green spaces. After assessing the greenery around the homes, schools, and commutes of schoolchildren living in Barcelona, researchers then measured the working memories and attention spans of the children using a variety of tests, finding that “green spaces can actually boost cognitive outcomes in children—in part by protecting their brains from air pollutants.” Other benefits the authors cite include reduced city noise and stress as well as increased opportunities for exercise. Read the full article from The Atlantic here.
