The Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities
I don’t know about you, but I have many roles in my life such as a mom, wife, educator, dog mom and more. I for sure need time away to recharge. For me, this is heading outdoors. I rarely feel guilty for taking time for myself. I understand it might be hard to get away from family and responsibilities, but it is worth it! I believe it is crucial to prioritize my mental health. I love trying new activities and studying up on ones I would like to try!
Natural environments have been proven to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. While juggling many roles, my hops is you can find solace in the beauty and peace in a a natural setting, giving you a sense of calm and reducing daily stressors.Engaging in outdoor activities has proven to improving mental well-being, Feelings of happiness, confidence, and overall positivity can come from engaging in outdoor activities.
Just being out in the sunlight can enhance my mood and supply me with some always needed vitamin D! Let’s not forget sunlight increases the production of serotonin which regulates mood and happiness! When your body is physically active, it releases dopamine which is related to feeling pleasure and reward and will hopefully encourage you to love the outdoors if you don’t already!
If you are stressed, just heading outdoors for a walk will help. I even encourage you to try it without music or chatting to friends. Explore some new paths or revisit your favorite. It doesn’t matter where as long as you are working on your own mental well-being. Disconnecting from the demands of life will prove rewarding in several ways!
Enhanced Confidence:
Wether you are conquering a new trail or improving upon a skill, you will boost your self-esteem and confidence. Perhaps you hike a hill several times before you reach the top. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and hopefully empowered to take on challenges in life. Appreciating the beauty of the outdoors around you will hopefully give you a better outlook on life and reduce some stress and anxiety you may be feeling. I like to think of nature as a mood elevator. Whether you are taking a quiet and peaceful walk in the park or a gentle hike through a forest trail, the visual aesthetics of the landscape contributes to emotional well being. The vibrant colors, soothing sounds, and natural scents create an immersive experience that rejuvenates the mind.
Create A Routine:
Creating a sustainable routine will be helpful in managing your stress and mental well being. I shoudl probably thank my dog for needing two walks a day! If you aren’t a person that goes out regularly, make sure to pace yourself and ease into a an outdoor routine!
Set Realistic Goals: Begin with achievable goals. Whether it’s a short daily walk or a once a week yoga session. Maybe go on a walk during your lunch break once a week. Try and drag a friend with you, but don’t talk about work! Make sure to set realistic targets ensures consistency. Make a reward for yourself after achieving a small goal.
Variety is the Spice of Life: Try different types of outdoor activities to keep the routine engaging. From walking and cycling to yoga and Pilates, variety will add excitement and hopefully enthusiasm for getting outdoors. In case you are newto outdoor exploration, I have added a few a of my favorites here and some I would like to explore myself.
Walking and Hiking: One of the simplest yet effective outdoor exercises is walking. Along with skiing, these are my favorites! It’s a low-impact activity that can suit all levels of fintess. You can explore local parks, nature reserves, city-made trails or a nice neighborhood for a leisurely walk.Trail hiking offers a more challenging option, combining cardiovascular benefits with the joy of nature exploration. Make sure topace yourself and start off slow if you aren’t use to these types of exercises.
Yoga and Pilates in Nature: I love that so many people are embracing different yoga classes! I have seen goat yoga, beer yoga, paddle board yoga and more fun varieties. Bringing yoga outdoors adds a new dimension to the practice. Join a class or find a quiet spot in a park or garden. Roll out a yoga mat, and immerse yourself in a harmonious session of stretching and mindfulness. If you aren’t a yogi, I suggest even bringing a yoga mat and your computer outside and follow a video! Yoga enhances flexibility, builds strength, and promotes relaxation—all while surrounded by nature’s calming influence and maybe a goat!
Cycling: When I go out on a bike ride, I feel like I am sucked back into my childhood. I miss the days of going out with a gang of my friends and riding all over the city. I am on the fence about buying an electric bike and probably will by the time you read this blog! Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that people of all ages can enjoy. Riding a bike not only provides a great cardiovascular workout but can also allow deeper connection with nature. Picture Miss Piggy and Kermit bike riding in the park together. How could that not make you happy? Make sure to choose flat terrains or gentle slopes for an enjoyable ride that won’t strain the joints when starting a fitness routine! Don’t forget to add a bell, water bottle holder and wear a helmet.
Be the Best Version of Yourself:
Prioritize Self-Care: I know this is probably a cringe-worthy phrase for many. I was an educator for 23 years and that term was so over used and not delivered with truth ( I could write a million blog posts on that topic, but I won’t). This blog is all about enjoying the outdoor and having a better quality of life!Outdoor exercise is a form of self-care. Prioritize these moments for yourself, allow your mind and body to recharge amidst the tranquility of nature.
Incorporating outdoor activities into your routine can be transformative to improving mental health. Whether it’s the stress-reducing effects of sunlight and nature, or the feeling of accomplishment, outdoor activities offer a holistic approach to mental well-being.
Sweet Dreams:
Nothing puts me to sleep better than a day of fresh air. The other day, I did a yoga video, walked the dog, went cross country skiing, then walked the dog again, and guess what? I slept like a baby for the first time ina long time. I also had a huge sense of accomplishment and loved being exhausted. Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms which impact sleep patterns. I know when I sleep soundly, everything is better. I have more emotional resilience and my mental health is better. On that note, I wish you a good night!