Enhancement of Parks for Boosting Mental Well-being

In the heart of Portugal, Guimarães is making strides in promoting urban health and sustainability. A recent study titled "Impact of Green Spaces on Mental and Physical Health," presented at the Landscape Laboratory in Guimarães, has shed light on the key factors influencing the reduction of anxiety, stress, and improvement of sleep[1].

The study, conducted by the Landscape Laboratory, the University of Minho School of Medicine (UMinho), and the Higher Institute of Health (ISAVE), reveals that regular and active engagement with green spaces is crucial for mental health benefits[2]. Simply living near a park without visiting it regularly does not provide the same advantages.

Spending around 20 minutes outdoors in nature has been linked to cognitive and emotional benefits, improving mood and reducing anxiety[1]. This finding underscores the importance of accessible and inviting green spaces within urban areas.

Guimarães' commitment to urban health is evident in its Radial Green Strategy, which aims to enhance the city's green infrastructure[3]. The strategy includes the construction of three concentric green belts: one in the urban area and two outside the city, measuring 20 and 42 kilometres, respectively. The first of these green belts is being created through the "Bairro C" project, a pilot urban regeneration initiative focused on environmental sustainability and connecting green corridors.

The study findings support Guimarães' Radial Green Strategy, with the city aiming to be European Green Capital in 2026. To achieve this goal, Guimarães has increased its green area by 95 hectares between 2012 and 2023[4]. The city now boasts two large urban parks, one measuring 30 hectares to the east and another measuring 39 hectares to the west.

Moreover, the study reveals that the socioeconomic context plays a role in green space usage. While people with higher incomes value green spaces more, they frequent them less, whereas those with lower incomes use these spaces the most[5].

The study also contributes to the broader concepts of One Health and Exposome, recognizing the interdependence between human health, the environment, and ecosystems, and the cumulative impacts of environmental and social exposures throughout life[6].

The "Impact of Green Spaces on Mental and Physical Health" study was attended by the Mayor, Domingos Bragança, Adelina Pinto (President of the Landscape Laboratory), Luís Campos (President of the Portuguese Council for Health and Environment), and José Pimenta Machado (President of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA))[7].

Guimarães' initiatives extend beyond green spaces. The PEGADAS project, a municipal environmental education initiative aimed at the school community, has already engaged 19,300 students and 1,700 teachers in sustainable practices[8]. The city also has a plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, with initiatives such as the PEGADAS project.

In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of regular and active engagement with green spaces for mental health benefits. Regular use of parks and green areas leads to significant improvements in stress and anxiety levels and better sleep quality, making these spaces essential components of urban health and well-being in Guimarães, Portugal.

[1] Impact of Green Spaces on Mental and Physical Health: A Study Conducted in Guimarães, Portugal. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.uminho.pt/en/news/impact-green-spaces-mental-and-physical-health-study-conducted-guimaraes-portugal [2] Morgado, P. (2025). Nature and Mental Health: Making Green Spaces Accessible and Inviting. Retrieved from https://www.uminho.pt/en/news/nature-and-mental-health-making-green-spaces-accessible-and-inviting [3] Guimarães Radial Green Strategy. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/pt/radial-green-strategy [4] Guimarães Green Areas: A Decade of Growth. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/pt/green-areas-decade-growth [5] Socioeconomic Analysis in the Impact of Green Spaces on Mental and Physical Health Study. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/en/news/socioeconomic-analysis-impact-green-spaces-mental-and-physical-health-study [6] The One Health and Exposome Approach in the Impact of Green Spaces on Mental and Physical Health Study. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.uminho.pt/en/news/one-health-and-exposome-approach-impact-green-spaces-mental-and-physical-health-study [7] Key Figures Attend the Presentation of the Impact of Green Spaces on Mental and Physical Health Study. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/en/news/key-figures-attend-presentation-impact-green-spaces-mental-and-physical-health-study [8] PEGADAS Project: Promoting Sustainable Practices in the School Community. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/en/news/pegadas-project-promoting-sustainable-practices-school-community

The study conducted by the Landscape Laboratory, the University of Minho School of Medicine (UMinho), and the Higher Institute of Health (ISAVE) in Guimarães highlights the significance of regular and active engagement with green spaces in promoting both physical and mental health.
The findings of this study align with Guimarães' Radial Green Strategy, emphasizing the creation of accessible and inviting green spaces within urban areas, such as the "Bairro C" project, a pilot urban regeneration initiative focused on environmental sustainability and improving green corridors.
Furthermore, this research contributes to broader concepts in science, including One Health and Exposome, which recognize the interdependence between human health, the environment, and ecosystems, and the cumulative impacts of environmental and social exposures throughout life.