Can spending more time in nature or urban green spaces improve mental health?

The following popular press article highlights findings from peer-reviewed literature that suggest that a simple walk in a natural setting may reduce stress and help individuals focus on mental tasks. With the trend of urban centers growing at an accelerated rate compared to populations in rural regions, this issue will continue persist. Arguably it will become increasingly important for city planners to consider integrating urban green space while helping communities create a vision for zoning and the use of public space in order to promote mental health.