Today we're discussing the impact of urban green spaces on mental health. A recent study followed 1,000 adults over five years, measuring their proximity to parks and their self-reported stress levels. The key finding was that people living within 300 meters of a green space reported a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms, even after controlling for income and exercise habits. However, the benefit was only significant for spaces larger than two hectares. Smaller gardens or street trees had minimal effect. Interestingly, the study also noted that water features, like ponds, enhanced the positive effect, but only in combination with trees.