In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up indoors, glued to screens and feeling increasingly disconnected. But what if the key to a healthier mind wasn’t a new app or medication, but simply stepping outside? Here at Biofeedback Seattle, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health, and that includes embracing the powerful benefits of spending time in nature.
Sunlight exposure is a natural mood booster. It triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and anxiety. Additionally, sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep – another crucial factor for mental wellbeing.
When we immerse ourselves in nature, surrounded by calming sights and sounds, our stress levels can significantly decrease. Studies show that spending time outdoors lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. Being mindful of the gentle breeze, the rustling of leaves, and the sounds of birds chirping all contribute to a sense of peace and relaxation.
Sunshine also helps our bodies produce vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression, so getting enough sunlight is crucial for overall mental wellbeing.
Being outdoors often leads to increased physical activity, whether it’s taking a walk in the park, going for a hike, or simply gardening. Exercise is a well-known mood booster, promoting the release of endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals in the brain.
Feeling burnt out and lacking concentration? You may be over-focusing. Nature can help provide the variety your brain needs! Studies suggest that spending time outdoors improves cognitive function and memory. A walk in the park can be a great way to clear your head and return to your tasks with renewed focus.
Spending time outdoors can also be a great way to connect with others. Joining a hiking group, volunteering at a community garden, or simply the small acts of connection (making eye contact and saying hello) or selflessness (moving out of the way for another on a walking trail or offering a seat on the bench) that can take place in a park can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, boost dopamine and lower cortisol, which can significantly impact mental health.
You don’t need to go on a week-long camping trip to reap the benefits of nature. Even a short walk in your neighborhood park, a mindful meditation session in your backyard, or simply eating lunch outdoors can make a big difference.
The key is to make spending time outdoors a regular part of your self-care routine. Just like taking your medication or attending therapy sessions, schedule time for nature in your daily or weekly plan.
Remember, mental health is a journey very much connected to your physical health journey, and incorporating time outdoors is a simple yet powerful step in the right direction. If you’re struggling with mental and physical health challenges, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal well-being through effective, safe and individualized health plans.
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review
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Greenspace Interventions, Stress and Cortisol: A Scoping Review
Reo Jones,* Robin Tarter, and Amy Miner Ross,Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar; 18(6): 2802 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001092/
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