Getting Outside: The Mental Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

The Mental Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

Get back in tune with the rhythms of nature and reap the benefits.

In a world of iPhones and technology galore, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the natural world. When we’re feeling down, a simple walk outside can have powerful impacts on our mental health and overall mood. A study conducted at the University of Exeter found that people who spend time in nature are more satisfied with life and have fewer health issues than those who don’t spend as much time outside. All you need is 15 minutes a day and you’ll start to notice a difference. Here are a few ways getting back to nature can boost your mental health.

Nature de-stresses our minds and bodies. Because humans are designed to be outside, nature has a way of instantly removing stress from our systems. When we step into the woods or onto the beach, we can almost feel our stress melting away. Our muscles relax and our breath deepens.

Spending time outside boosts creativity. The natural world is the original work of art and when we immerse ourselves in nature, we reap the benefits of its colors, sounds, and smells. Our senses are engaged and we feel more alive and connected.

Nature makes us feel more connected to ourselves and the world. Spending lots of time indoors can leave us feeling isolated and dark. We’re meant to live by the natural rhythms of the sun and seasons, and so the more time we spend in nature, the more connected we are likely to feel to ourselves and the world around us.

The great outdoors boost our energy levels. We have access to free energy sources — bursts of fresh air, rays of sunshine, greenery, birds chirping, and the blue sky. Nature offers all of these things and more. Exercising outdoors can be a great way to spend some energizing time in nature while getting in your workout. Take in the sights and sounds and notice the difference in your mental health, energy, and overall connectedness.

 

Tree House Recovery of Orange County, California is a premiere men’s addiction treatment facility that uses eight different modalities to help our men become the best versions of themselves they can be. We teach our men that every day of their journey is something to celebrate and that recovery isn’t a sprint– it’s a marathon. To get started with Tree House Recovery, call us today at (855) 202-2138

Share This Post