As the weather gets nicer and we have more opportunities to spend time outdoors, many people wonder: Does being outside actually benefit my mental health?
In short, the answer is yes. Spending time outdoors can have a whole host of positive effects on your mood, sense of well-being, and levels of stress. But why does spending time outdoors make such a difference in these facets of your holistic health?
Today, the Triumph Behavioral Health team of psychiatric nurse practitioners is taking a deeper dive into why, how, and when being outdoors can be beneficial. We are a local Maryland wellness center serving the area around Towson, Arbutus, Baltimore County, and beyond. If you’re looking for support living your life to the fullest this spring, we’re here to help. Now, let’s learn more about the ties between spending time outdoors and your mental wellness.
Need an excuse to get out of the house? This is it!
How Does Nature Improve Mental Health
Many of us spend countless hours in front of screens each day – whether we’re working at a computer, scrolling through Instagram reels on our phones, or enjoying some downtime watching TV at night. But ultimately, spending time in the great outdoors can have some pretty exceptional benefits. Let’s take a closer look…
Nature Increases Cognitive Function
Sounds like a pretty bold claim, doesn’t it? But it’s true: Spending time in nature helps both our bodies and our minds relax, which in turn gives us feelings of pleasure and helps us concentrate and focus more effectively, per a study from the National Library of Medicine. Research also shows that spending time outside can improve your creativity and problem-solving abilities by mixing up the routines of daily life.
Remember, getting out into nature doesn’t mean you have to embark on a road trip to the nearest National Park. You can enjoy nature by simply stepping outside and taking a walk around the block, enjoying a morning jog, or sitting out on your porch while you work.
Nature Decreases Anxiety and Stress
Spending time outdoors can have a tangible effect on your stress levels. Being in green spaces has been shown to decrease levels of anxiety and stress as well as reducing feelings of anger or frustration. Researchers have found links between accessible green spaces in a neighborhood and lower risks of depression, as well as improved attention and concentration.
Spending time outside can also help regulate your sleep cycle, making it easier for you to sleep the full night and get enough rest. When your body is well rested and you have enjoyed a restful sleep, your mental health will improve too!
Not sure that nature is the answer to your behavioral health or mental health concerns? At Triumph Behavioral Health, our knowledgeable team can help you formulate a robust treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs. We can help you understand the benefits of psychotherapy as well as exploring med management paths.
Nature Promotes Physical Activity
There are strong ties between regular exercise and mental health. When you’re outside enjoying the beauty of the natural world, you might be prone to engage in physical activity more often, participating in activities like walking, hiking, jogging, biking, kayaking, or skiing. Being outside has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and muscle tension as well as improving cardiovascular health. Additionally, you’ll get a healthy dose of Vitamin D, which is great for maintaining an upbeat and positive mood.
How Often Do You Need to Go Outside to See Mental Health Benefits?
How much is too much – or too little – when it comes to leaning on the outdoors to improve your mental health? There’s really no such thing as too much time spent outside. However, researchers at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that spending regularly scheduled short time outside, even if that is in more urban green spaces, has a more profound effect on mental health than an annual camping trip where you spend a more prolonged time outdoors all at once.
In other words, integrating nature into your day on a regular basis is the best way to go about maximizing the benefits. Looking for other mental health tips? Ask the licensed behavioral health practitioners at Triumph Behavioral Health.
Finding Nature in Urban Environments
For many of us, spending time in nature is easier said than done. After all, if you live in a city or urban environment, it can be unclear where you should go to enjoy the benefits of nature without venturing too far from home. Even if you live in a more built-up area, however, nature is everywhere. Pay attention to the sky, the weather, birds, or flowers poking their heads up through the cracks in the sidewalk. There also may be public parks or green spaces where you are located – here’s a guide to Baltimore’s Green Spaces and public park areas.
Not sure if there’s any outdoor green spaces near you? The good news is, you can also bring nature indoors. Spending time around plants is good for the soul – and your mental health! So next time you’re at a hardware store or a nursery grab a small plant and pot it in your home. You might even try growing herbs to add a tasty flair to your next cooking project.
Remember, different things work for different people – so if you feel like spending time in nature is not resonating with you, there is no pressure to force yourself to enjoy it. Spending time outdoors is just one of many ways to work on building a toolbox of strategies for managing your mental wellness. At Triumph Behavioral Health, we’ll help you grow and develop that tool box.
Embrace Spring With Triumph Behavioral Health
This spring, don’t be afraid to take the necessary steps forward into your next chapter. Whether that looks like spending more time outside, focusing on a healthy diet, or scheduling that therapy appointment, spring is the perfect time to invest time and energy into your future.
Want to learn more about working with a professional behavioral health provider? Reach out to our team today! At Triumph, we care.