The Mental Health Benefits Spending Time Outside
It’s easy to spend most of our day indoors, especially if your job is predominately inside. But research, and common sense, tells us that getting outside can do wonders for our mental health. Whether you’re breaking a sweat on a trail or sipping your morning coffee on the porch, time spent outdoors can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve sleep. All these things can improve your mood and help you feel your best
Why Nature is Good for the Mind
Being outside engages all your senses and allows your mind to take a break from the constant stimulation of indoor life. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light and open spaces can:
- Lower levels of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone)
- Decrease feelings of anxiety and depression
- Improve focus and cognitive function
- Support better sleep patterns
Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. You don’t have to spend your entire afternoon each day after work outside to experience the benefits. One way to get in some more time outside would be going on a short walk in the middle of your lunch or when you have a break. If you work certain shifts that take place mainly at night, try to make sure you are leaving time as you get ready to spend a few minutes outside. Maybe take a meal outside while you get ready for your day, or leave a few extra minutes to walk your dog a bit longer than you have been.
Nature as Therapy
Spending time outside isn’t just refreshing, it can actually be therapeutic. This concept, sometimes called “ecotherapy” or “nature therapy,” is supported by a growing research that shows how natural environments improve one’s emotional well-being.
Sunlight and Mood Regulation
- Sunlight helps your body produce serotonin, a brain chemical that boosts mood and promotes feelings of calm and focus.
- Natural light also helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, leading to better rest, which is essential for mental health.
- For those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), even short bursts of daylight can ease symptoms of low mood and fatigue.
- Outdoor air has a higher concentration of oxygen, which supports brain function and can reduce anxiety.
- Natural scents, like grass, pine, or flowers have subtle, calming effects. They help with grounding techniques for those with panic or anxiety symptoms.
- Being in green or open spaces activates your parasympathetic nervous system, your body’s “rest and recover” mode, helping reduce tension and mental fatigue.
Boost your Brain while Moving Your Body
Outdoor exercise has a unique ability to combine physical and mental health benefits. Whether it’s walking, running, biking, or yoga in the park, being active outside amplifies the positive effects of movement:
- Releases endorphins – physical activity increases feel-good chemicals in the brain
- Reduces rumination – exercising in nature has been shown to lower repetitive negative thoughts
- Improves self-esteem – accomplishing a hike or finishing a walk outdoors can foster a sense of achievement
- Combats seasonal depression – sunlight exposure helps regulate serotonin levels, especially in the darker months
Stillness in Nature is Powerful
You don’t need a workout to benefit from the outdoors. Simply being outside can calm the nervous system and invite mindfulness into your day. Try:
- Gardening – connecting with the earth, nurturing plants, and enjoying the fruits of your labor has been linked to lower depression and anxiety
- Sitting on the porch – natural light, bird sounds, and fresh air can be grounding and reduce mental fatigue
- Eating or reading outside – small shifts like moving your lunch or your book outdoors can reset your mental space
The simple act of unplugging and stepping outside helps your mind slow down and re-center.
Tanner Clinic is Here to Help!
Spending time outside can be an incredible tool for improving your mental health, but sometimes, you need more support. At Tanner Clinic, our Behavioral Health team has licensed therapists and psychiatric providers who can help you navigate life’s challenges, manage anxiety/depression, and other mental health conditions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, our providers are here to help with counseling, medication management, and compassionate care tailored to your needs.
Schedule an appointment with Tanner Clinic Behavioral Health today and take the first step toward feeling better inside and out.