Everyday anxieties from work, families, school, children, significant others and daily responsibilities can quickly build, especially with so many demands on your time. Thankfully, self-care can help you destress, and simple actions like going outside can significantly enhance your well-being.
No matter the time of year, connecting with nature can improve your physical and mental wellness. Keep reading to learn how going outside benefits your mental health and what activities you can do to lower your stress and make you feel better.
How Do the Outdoors Help With Stress?
Going outside benefits your mental health for various reasons. Whether you enjoy going for a walk or sitting on a park bench, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful sunshine can have a lasting effect on your physical and mental health. Nature can reduce stress symptoms and lift your mood to make you feel happier, focused and more creative. Being outside is good for you because you can:
- Get some vitamin D: Vitamin D builds stronger bones and fights depression. While foods like fatty fish contain vitamin D, the best source is the sun. Spending time outdoors year-round can give you the vitamin boost you need to stay healthy and strong.
- Strengthen your immune system: You might be more prone to illness if you spend most of your time indoors. Going outside exposes you to allergens and dirt, equipping your body to respond to foreign substances. Additionally, stress makes you more vulnerable to illnesses and bacteria. In response to stress, your body increases its cortisol levels, which can cause various health problems. Being outdoors can prevent sickness by decreasing stress and preparing your immune system to handle germs.
- Improve your mood: Being outdoors is excellent for your mental health. For example, nature can lower your risk of anxiety and depression. The great outdoors can restore your mental capacities and make you feel happier and lighter.
- Heal faster: Merely looking through a window or strolling outside can speed recovery from injuries and illnesses. Studies have shown that these activities have shortened hospital stays and resulted in fewer painkillers for some patients.
- Improve focus: Focus is one of the mental capabilities nature fosters. You may notice you have better ideas or more creative thoughts after being outside for a while. Nature can even reduce symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
- Lower blood pressure: Whether you’re taking a walk, admiring nature or sitting in the grass, being outdoors can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
- Enhance your sleep: Going outside can improve your sleep cycle. Getting sun early in the day can help you fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep disruptions throughout the night.
7 Ways to Spend Time Outside for Your Mental Health
Self-care is essential, and finding the best activities for your mind will make you feel rejuvenated and restored. Your self-care can be as simple as taking a stroll or something more physically challenging, such as rock climbing. Either way, there are many opportunities to connect with the world and find yourself. Below, you can find some of the best ways to relieve stress outdoors.
1. Outdoor Meditation
Meditation is an excellent form of self-care, and there are many opportunities to connect with nature while you practice it. There are multiple forms of meditation, including:
- Moving meditation
- Guided imagery meditation
- Breath meditation
- Mindfulness meditation
- Loving-kindness meditation
If you prefer to meditate alone, you can find a peaceful spot in your favorite location outside. However, you can also opt for group sessions that empower you to connect with nature and people.
2. Nature Journaling
Journaling is another outdoor activity that can relieve anxiety. Journaling helps people cope with depression, reduce stress and engage in positive self-talk. You can also identify negative thoughts and behaviors, prioritize your problems, concerns and fears, track your anxiety triggers and release your worries and thoughts. The next time you feel inspired to journal, grab a pen and head out to your favorite park or that beautiful spot at the edge of your property.
3. Exercising
Physical action relieves anxiety. Regular exercise releases endorphins and takes your mind off any concerns you’re carrying. Whether you prefer weightlifting, running or intense circuits, you can work out outside. If you don’t already have an exercise routine, explore outdoor activities like swimming, running, cycling and yoga until you find something you can stick with.
4. Nature Walks
Walking is excellent for your mind and body. This activity is one of the simplest ways to exercise regularly and spend a peaceful time outdoors. Strolling around your neighborhood, exploring a neighboring park or taking an intense hike are all excellent ways to develop a profound appreciation for the natural world around you.
5. Gardening
Gardening is an activity anyone can enjoy. People facing loss, trauma or heartbreak can find an outlet in caring for precious greenery and watching their care blossom into beautiful flowers or delicious ingredients. This activity also empowers you to spread love. For example, you can gift your new blooms to family members and friends to connect them to you and your garden.
6. Camping
If you want to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors, a weekend away from the world might be what you need to feel restored. You can try different activities on your trip, including reading, journaling, painting and stargazing. Next time you feel overwhelmed, consider gathering your camping gear and escaping into the natural world for a few days.
7. Fishing
Those who find peace on the water can enjoy fishing to ease their stress. This activity can be gratifying because you can admire the sparkling water and bring home fresh fish to cook a delicious meal for yourself or your family. Whether you want solitude on the water or enjoy spending time with your closest friends, you can have tons of fun fishing.
Contact Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates for Support
At Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates, we understand how overwhelming everyday anxieties and stressors can become, and we’re to guide you through them. At our counseling center in Andover, Mass., our therapists advise families, children, adults, couples and adolescents on dealing with various challenges. Whether you’re facing a specific concern or need help taking charge of your mental health, we can help you develop healthy coping skills, manage your problems and feel more relaxed. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your mental health goals.
