There is something about the outdoors that helps people connect to their deeper selves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people discovered the allure of being outside due to the health risks associated with being indoors with other people. Going forward, it would seem like a good idea to continue to prioritize being outside. Being outside comes with more specific mental health benefits that can explain the allure that it has on people. Here are some of the specific benefits:
Combats Depression
Studies show us that spending time in a natural environment can help boost mood, confidence, and self-esteem. Improvements in these areas can help to alleviate more severe mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In fact, “ecotherapy”, which involves consistently spending time in nature, is a common form of treatment for depression.
Encourages Exercise
Chances are if you are outside, you are engaging in some sort of physical movement or at least will feel drawn to move around more than you typically would. Exercising involves the release of endorphins, which will boost your mood. It also reduces blood pressure, which should help to treat stress. Simply put, feeling more drawn to exercise will only help your mental health given the amazing benefits that exercise has on mental health.
Eases The Mind
Being outside provides us the perfect opportunity to focus on our minds. This can mean practicing mindfulness or meditation or simply just focusing more carefully on your mental state. Either way, outside taking our mind to a more simple and untouched state away from the rat-race of our day-to-day lives. Nature is beautiful and simple, and these are thoughts that need to be focused on while facing mental health issues.