By Devon Scherer, Phd, LPCC
Why is Being Outside So Important to Our Mental Health?
The therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors have been increasingly recognized in recent years. I have observed firsthand how outdoor activities can serve as a powerful addition to traditional therapeutic interventions to improve mental health.
This article explores the ways in which being outdoors positively influences both mental and physical health.
Nature and Mental Health
Spending time outside has been associated with a host of psychological benefits. A review by the American Psychological Association highlights that exposure to nature has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of psychiatric disorders.
Moreover, short-term exposure to natural environments significantly reduces depressive moods, underscoring the potential of nature-based interventions in reducing symptoms of depression.
Natural environments have a restorative quality that urban settings often lack. This restoration leads to improved focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the sensory experiences in natural settings—such as the sound of birds, the rustling of leaves, or the sight of a flowing river—can induce a state of mindfulness, grounding individuals in the present moment and reducing rumination, a common feature of anxiety and depression. Sounds of nature alone can be enough to influence relaxation and enhance positive emotions while reducing negative emotions, including depression and anger. Time outdoors offers the benefit of mental rest and rejuvenation, and it has been shown to improve memory, attention, impulse control, and creativity.
Physical Benefits of Nature
Spending time outdoors encourages physical activity, which is linked to better mental health outcomes. Engaging in activities like walking, hiking, or gardening not only provides exercise but also creates mindfulness and a sense of accomplishment.
The Mental Health Foundation notes that nature can generate positive emotions such as calmness, joy, and creativity, and can facilitate concentration. Studies have also shown a link between nature exposure and reduced blood pressure, lower cortisol levels (a marker of stress), enhanced immune function, and sleep.
Social Connection and Mental Health
Nature-based activities often involve social interaction, which is a critical component of mental well-being. Participating in community gardens, group hikes, or outdoor sports fosters social connections and a sense of belonging.
These social interactions can mitigate feelings of loneliness and provide support networks, which are essential for mental health. Time outdoors can also foster social interactions and community engagement, contributing to lower depression rates and better health outcomes.
Outdoor Activities to Improve Mental Health
Integrating nature into one’s routine does not require grand excursions into the wilderness; even small, regular interactions with natural elements can yield significant benefits. Here are some practical suggestions:
Daily Walks: Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of walking in a park or natural setting. Regular exposure to green spaces has been associated with reduced stress and improved mood.
CYO’s CORE Class: two hours a week spent outside with your partner learning a new skill offers all the psychological, physical, and social benefits.
Gardening: Engaging in gardening activities can improve mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine, act as self-care by fostering a sense of pride and connection to nature, and help with physical fitness through the associated activities.
Outdoor Exercise: Consider moving your exercise routine outdoors. Activities like yoga, tai chi, or even stretching in a natural setting can enhance the mental health benefits of physical exercise.
Mindfulness in Nature: Practice mindfulness or meditation outdoors. Focusing on natural sounds, sights, and smells can deepen relaxation and present-moment awareness.
Social Activities: Plan social gatherings in natural settings. Picnics, group walks, or outdoor games can combine the benefits of nature exposure with social connection.
Conclusion
The positive impact of spending time outdoors on mental health is well-supported by a growing body of research. Nature exposure offers a multifaceted approach to enhancing well-being, encompassing psychological, physiological, and social dimensions. As a mental health professional, it is my job to recognize and advocate for the incorporation of nature-based activities into therapeutic practices and daily life. By doing so, we can harness the inherent healing properties of the natural world to foster resilience, joy, and overall mental wellness.
Devon Scherer, PhD, LPCC is a licensed mental health professional in Fort Collins, CO. She has a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges. Devon works with a variety of individuals — adults, adolescents, and couples — who need additional support in dealing with anxiety, depression, life events, trauma, divorce, career changes, or are pondering life questions and can benefit from speaking with a trained professional. Learn more at www.restorativesoul.com