Nature and Your Mental Health
- Brainz Magazine
- May 26
- 5 min read
Written by Joanne Louise Bray, Founder
Joanne Bray is the proud founder of Plantlife Joy. Her journey began with a deep love of nature and the belief that plants have the power to bring happiness, tranquility, and a touch of magic to our lives. Plantlife Joy specialises in plant knowledge, and our mission is to connect people back to the beauty of the natural world.
In a world dominated by screens and concrete jungles, have we lost our connection to the natural world? As mental health challenges rise globally, researchers are uncovering the simple yet profound benefits of returning to nature.
My answer to this question would be yes, unfortunately, many of us have become disconnected from the life that we coexist with on our wonderful planet. The world has changed massively and not necessarily for the better. In pursuit of convenience, we have embraced quick fixes, which have resulted in pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. (I know many people are deniers of the climate change issue, but if you pay attention to the natural world, you will see that there is no denying it). Most people install plastic grass because they want to save time or they have a dog that causes muddy footprints in the house. Plastic grass means no grass cutting, and it can be washed with chemicals, but this artificial solution comes with hidden costs. Unlike real grass, plastic disrupts the ecosystem beneath it, stops water absorption, and introduces microplastics into the environment.
Plastic grass is just one example of our disregard for the fact that we share the planet with so many other species. Many species work in harmony with the environment to improve the health of planet earth. Trees and plants help with the absorption of water, preventing landslides and floods. Bees and other insects pollinate plants to support biodiversity, and fungi break down organic material, enriching our soil. We, on the other hand, tend to destroy in the name of convenience.
It’s easy to feel discouraged when looking at the impact of human actions on nature, but hope is far from lost. In fact, a new movement is sweeping across communities—one that seeks to restore balance and reconnect people with the environment. It’s called... The Biophilic Renaissance. Many of us around the world are awakening to the reality that we all live in, the lockdowns played a key role in it as we all had a lot more time to think. I can’t help but think that a lot of our mental health issues stem from our disconnection from nature, urbanisation, technology, and modern consumerism have aided in the disconnect. Studies have shown that artificial environments can impact mood and cognition and not in a good way. I think that is why garden centre cafes often have plastic plants because they don’t want you to spend a lot of time in them, as you are taking up space that the next customer could be in. It seems like everywhere you g,o efficiency and profitability are prioritised over genuine connections.
As disheartening as the state of the world can be, there is hope – lots of it. The more people that find the courage to express their dissatisfaction, the greater potential there is for meaningful and positive changes. The more people who embrace The Biophilic Renaissance, the greater the transformation, not just for the planet, but for our own well-being. As we reconnect with nature and restore balance, our lives will become richer, healthier, and more fulfilling.
There is nothing more rewarding in life than knowing that you are contributing to the ecosystem and the health of our planet. Seeing a bee pollinate a flower in your garden or a ladybird taking care of those garden pests is proof that every living thing has a role in sustaining the world around us. We can all help them by introducing plants for pollinators to our garden space. Here is a list of a few that would be beneficial to home in your garden space;
Lavender
Sunflowers
Chives
Angelica
Euphorbias
Holly
You don’t have to stop at introducing plant life into your garden space, you can also create a water feature that can become a home or vital drinking water to wildlife. We used a seed tray, filled it with stones, and we added an aquatic grass with places that creatures could find shelter. Last year, it was home to a frog, and this year we have seen countless birds taking a much-needed drink. Things don’t have to cost a lot; you can use things that you have around the home to create an oasis for creatures.
A friend of mine, an elderly gentleman, has created his whole garden with nature in mind, to many it looks like a mess, but to the wildlife in his area it is a godsend. He told me the other day that his plants are keeping him alive, so I keep giving him plants that need extra care to prolong that life. I think a lot of people in society have been let down by their fellow humans and have found peace and solace in caring for nature. Caring for nature is self-care if you think about it, because we are part of nature.
There’s something profoundly healing about working with nature. Whether it’s tending to a garden, nurturing seedlings, or simply taking a mindful walk through a forest, the act of caring for the natural world mirrors the care we give ourselves. I’ve noticed that when I plant something, I feel lighter, less burdened by stress, and more in tune with the steady, patient rhythm of life. Nature doesn't rush, yet everything gets done. And in learning to care for the earth, I’ve learned to slow down and be gentler with myself. The art that I create always has an element of nature within it, too. It’s become a huge part of my identity if I am honest.
Perhaps reconnecting to nature, we will all find a lost part of ourselves. The Earth doesn’t just sustain life, it heals it. The Biophilic Renaissance is already underway, and every small action contributes to a greater change. Whether it’s planting wildflowers, creating spaces for wildlife, or simply taking time to appreciate the natural world, we all have the ability to restore our connection to nature and ourselves. Are you ready to join?
Read more from Joanne Louise Bray
Joanne Louise Bray, Founder
Joanne Bray is a leader in plant life; she has been to the darkest depths of despair with her mental health. Nurturing plants and learning all about them led to her own healing journey. She discovered the immense joy, and mindfulness that nuturing plants provides, so she began to write about them within her membership site, create courses, paint parts of nature that she fell in love with, and write books in the hope of sharing her passion, and helping others to connect back to the beauty and wonder that nature supplies. Joanne is very passionate about eradicating the use of chemicals in gardening, and so she offers solutions using plants that either attract beneficial insects or deter pests.
