Green That Heals: The Impact of Nature on Students' Lives
Figure 1. Green spaces, clearer minds: nature’s role in student well-being.
Plants play fundamental roles throughout our entire lives. From an early age, they are present in our food, in the spaces we frequent, and in the environment that surrounds us every day. It is undeniable that the presence of greenery promotes mental well-being, and understanding how and why this happens has become essential, especially in the university context. Students face a phase filled with pressure, changes, and uncertainties, which makes the surrounding environment an even more relevant factor for emotional health.
What am I doing?
With this question in mind, we sought to investigate whether studying in spaces with more green areas can reduce the impact of stress in academic life. To do so, online questionnaires were administered to students from two campuses at the Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (Brazil): one with abundant tree coverage and another with limited vegetation. The responses revealed a consistent pattern: nature plays a decisive role in students’ well-being and in their connection to the university environment. Many stated that daily contact with green areas increases their sense of belonging, engagement, and motivation, making daily activities lighter and more meaningful.
In addition, 70% of participants considered the campus with more vegetation not only more beautiful, but also much more attractive and pleasant, demonstrating that nature profoundly transforms the academic experience.
Thus, the presence of green areas proves to be an essential element for mental health, contributing to stress reduction and a more balanced routine. For this reason, it is fundamental to seek moments of contact with nature through walks, outdoor breaks, or simply appreciating the vegetation around us to strengthen well-being in everyday life.