How The Outdoors Can Benefit Your Mental Health

Mental health struggles are something that most of us have endured at some point in our lives. But did you know that spending more time outdoors can significantly improve your mental well-being? It seems too good to be true, but studies have found that spending even as little as 20 minutes a day outside can make a difference.

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How to get started?

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Disclaimer: Please check the government guidelines and current COVID-19 restrictions before leaving your local area. It's important to stay local during the national lockdown.

If you're not an outdoor enthusiast by nature, taking the first step can be difficult. The current world situation has not made it easier either; the many lockdowns discourage us from spending any time outside at all. However, experiencing the benefits of being outside doesn't require as much as you may think. A stroll around the block or relaxing in your garden or balcony is enough to start seeing a difference. So, to experience the positive impact of nature, you don't actually need to stray far from home.

If you are looking for an active way to enjoy the outdoors, running and walking are fantastic beginner-friendly and safe ways to explore nature from your doorstep. Exercising while enjoying the outdoors can also increase the mental health benefits, thanks to the release of stress-reducing endorphins.

Once the lockdown rules are lifted, volunteering is a great way to get outdoors. Organisations such as Ramblers and Woodland Trust are always looking for volunteers to help plant trees and build fences and paths. You're not only enjoying the beauty of nature but also helping to preserve it.

 

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Mental health benefits of spending time outdoors

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We've established how to get started on your outdoor journey for better mental health, but you must be wondering what kind of benefits you can expect to experience. Here are some of the known positive effects that spending time outdoors can have on your mental health:

Improved mood

• Being in nature can lift your mood for up to seven hours after the exposure.

Reduced stress & anxiety

• It's not yet fully understood why being outside can affect us in this way, but studies have found that nature walks reduce our repetitive negative thoughts, which often are a cause for stress and anxiety.

Better sleep

• Being active and spending time away from screens can improve the quality of your sleep. Spending more time outdoors can offer both, leading to better sleep, which, in turn, can significantly reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

Increased physical health

• While you're improving your mental health by being active outdoors, you're also increasing your physical health. Improved fitness can reduce some physical health problems that may have caused you stress before.

Boosted self-esteem & confidence

• Learning new skills and getting better at them can improve your self-esteem significantly. For example, figuring out how to navigate outdoors with a map and compass can provide a great sense of satisfaction.

Relaxation

• Nature sights and sounds are known for their soothing effect. If you're looking for a way to relax during a hectic day at work, going out for a lunchtime walk can be the perfect way to calm down before returning to your tasks.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms relieved

• A huge chunk of the population struggles with SAD to some extent during the darker months. Getting out during the day can help reduce these symptoms, as light therapy is an effective form of treatment for SAD.

Also, when the restrictions on socialising are lifted, taking on an outdoor hobby such as hiking or climbing can help grow your social circle. Human contact plays a significant role in bettering our mental health. Research some local Facebook groups and meetups, and you'll undoubtedly find some company for your next outdoor adventure.

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Bringing the outdoors indoors

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The global pandemic has forced most of us to spend more time indoors than ever before. Unfortunately, the situation is still on-going, and the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors safely are limited. However, there are ways to enjoy some elements of the outdoors from the comfort of your sofa.

Sounds: Try one of the many apps or tools available on the internet to play nature sounds. You could do this throughout the day as you complete your daily tasks. The beauty of the virtual nature experience is that you can transport yourself anywhere in the world and not feel limited by your immediate surroundings.

Sights: The internet again provides a huge amount of resources for imagery and video from anywhere in the world. Try Google Earth or simply use the image search to find beautiful natural locations. It can also help to bring natural items such as house plants into your home.

Smells: Candles and essential oils can also help with getting into the spirit of being outdoors. Choose natural scents that match the sounds and sights you might be incorporating into the experience.

 

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While exploring the outdoors can have a positive impact on your mental well-being, it’s not always enough. If you’re struggling with your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Ellis Brigham have been supporters of the Mountains For The Mind campaign for the last 2 years and they have an extensive list of sources of support here. Help is out there.

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Sources: Mountains For The Mind, Harvard Health Publishing, Mental Health Foundation, Mind

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