Initial Secondary Research

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/feb/25/city-stress-mental-health-rural-kind

This article, similar to the reading on Cities is interesting as it focuses on the research study where they access people in cities and from the rural areas. The reading addresses that 'cities made us mad' due to 'loneliness in crowds' but cities have urban advantage due to 'richer' environments. There is better health care, better education and a better standard of living.

This reading also links to a TED talk which addressed the topic of 'loneliness in crowds'.

The talk discusses the existing studies, city living effects our stress levels having a health impact. Mazda argues that city living is potentially as dangerous as climate change. Research on the long term effects of city living.

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160420-how-nature-is-good-for-our-health-and-happiness

How Nature is good for our health and happiness?

This article reflects a study which was conducted on people living in cities, these people were asked to do something with nature every day for a month. This resulted in a lasting increase of happiness, connection to nature. People reporting their health in the study went up by 30% reporting their health as excellent once the study was completed. Children being exposed to nature heightened their self esteem. If people can connect with nature then it's good for them and also good for the nature.

“Nature isn’t a miracle cure for diseases,” says McRobert, “But by interacting with it, spending time in it, experiencing it and appreciating it we can reap the benefits of feeling happier and healthier as a result.”

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/public-transport-better-for-commuters-mental-health-than-driving-say-uea-researchers-1-3770881

Public transport is better for mental health than driving, active commuting is better, busses and trains give people time to relax, unwind, read and socialise. Although sometimes can be considered stressful due to the timing and ensuring you make the bus or train at the correct time, the walk to and from the train or bus is also positive and good without stress, known to cheer people up. This piece of writing enforces the writing on driving being bad for you, but further addresses that public transport is better for mental health than driving.

Stand out fact:

In just 30 day people from cities were tasked to connect with nature on a daily basis, as a result of this, a lasting happiness was created. This increase lasting for over 2 months for over 30% of the participants, this study showed that people once connected with nature their personal health and happiness increases to excellent once connected.

Evidence of everyday well-being

The greenery on the bus I found interesting as this relates to the idea that nature and greenery helps decrease stress levels, it also gave the feeling as though one was with nature although really isn't and is indeed on public bus transport. This is an everyday health example as it is using a technique used to decrease stress and anxiety symptoms.