We often talk about third places as centers for creativity, conversation, and community, but one of their most powerful impacts is on our mental health. In a world that moves quickly and connects superficially, the need for spaces that encourage slowing down and genuine interaction is more urgent than ever. Third places meet this need, offering emotional and psychological benefits that are deeply rooted in presence, belonging, and connection.
Ray Oldenburg emphasized that third places allow people to feel part of something without pressure. You’re not expected to perform a role as you might at work, and you’re not isolated as you may be at home. Instead, you’re simply invited to be. This neutrality and openness give people a unique chance to connect not only with others but with themselves.
At Good NAtured, we’ve seen firsthand how our space has become a soft landing for many. Whether it’s someone decompressing after a long week, easing social anxiety through a craft class, or reconnecting after a major life transition, the consistent feedback we hear is this: “I feel better after being here.”
So why does it work? For starters, third places promote routine and rhythm, which are vital to mental stability. Knowing there’s a space that welcomes you at a low cost, with no expectation, or requirement helps lower stress and increase a sense of safety. Simply put, it’s easier to breathe here.
Second, they offer unstructured social interaction. Unlike therapy or group support, which have structure and goals, third place interactions are spontaneous and casual. You don’t need to say the right thing or have a solution. Just sharing space and stories with others can be enough.
Another key factor is creative expression. At Good NAtured, many visitors find a deep sense of calm and joy through hands-on activities. Our workshops—like linocut printing, candle making, and decoupage design, don’t require previous experience. This removes pressure and opens the door to playfulness, curiosity, and pride.
Research supports what we’ve observed. Studies show that individuals who engage in community activities have lower levels of depression and anxiety and report greater life satisfaction. Even brief, positive encounters with strangers can increase our levels of oxytocin, the hormone linked to bonding and trust. A smile at the door or a compliment on your art project can shift the course of someone’s day.
We also know that third places help alleviate loneliness, which is now considered a major public health concern. The U.S. Surgeon General has stated that loneliness has the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But when someone feels welcomed into a space where people know their name, where they are seen, and where their presence is valued, it starts to chip away at that isolation.
At Good NAtured, we’ve designed our space to encourage these small but significant moments: tables placed close enough to spark conversation, low-stimulation lighting for comfort, and a calendar full of activities to meet a range of interests and energy levels. There’s no pressure to perform or participate. You can come and go as you are.
When mental health conversations feel heavy or inaccessible, third places like Good NAtured offer a gentle, supportive alternative. They don’t replace professional support, but they provide daily, accessible ways to feel connected and grounded. Sometimes what we need isn’t a solution—it’s a space. And that’s what a third place is at its core.
So the next time you’re feeling off, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself, remember there’s a seat for you at Good NAtured. Come in, breathe a little deeper, and feel a little more like you again.
Sources:
[1] Anderson, L. M., et al. (2003). The Community Guide – Providing opportunities for social interaction improves mental health outcomes. https://www.thecommunityguide.org
[2] Kogan, A., et al. (2014). Vagal activity is quadratically related to prosocial traits… Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 107(6), 1051–1063. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037509
[3] U.S. Surgeon General Advisory (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
[4]: Oldenburg, R. (1999). The Great Good Place: Cafés, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community (3rd ed.). Marlowe & Company.
About Good NAtured
Good NAtured is a community-centered, third place in Sioux Falls. Through workshops, events, and casual conversation, we offer a welcoming space where creativity, connection, and belonging come naturally.
It’s like Cheers met Pinterest and decided to host a book club. That’s Good NAtured, Our Third Place where real community hangs out. Stop by and find your place with us.