Stressed? Head Outdoors. Here's 5 Science-Backed Activities to Boost Your Mood
Spending some time with nature can calm a busy mind, especially when you’re stressed. Perhaps you already know this anecdotally, but getting outside is an effective and proven way to improve clarity and mental health.
The latest in scientific research supports this, going so far as to claim nature’s effect as a natural remedy for depression and a deterrent to the ruminative thinking associated with anxiety. Beyond the mood-boosting benefits of getting outdoors, several correlational and experimental studies have also demonstrated that interacting with nature can improve cognitive performance.
Studies like these are incredibly important as across the United States, millions of adults suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders every year.
Taking medication for mental health challenges is not right for everyone, and many people are searching for natural remedies for depression and anxiety. Heading outdoors may be the treatment gap you need to make meaningful changes in your daily habits- and your mood!
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
Still, you may be wondering, “How does being outside improve mental health?”
There are myriad benefits for your health when you take the time to get outside and connect with nature. Science has proven that spending time outdoors can lower stress levels, heart rate, and frustration while increasing your potential for life satisfaction, distress tolerance, and cognitive function.
Green spaces and blue spaces can help in unique ways
Green (grass, nature, or land-based) and blue (water-oriented) space nature scape each offer their own unique spin on nurturing you with nature’s love. No matter where you decide to go when you’re ready to get outside, we’ve got you covered for ways to use your time once you get there.
Take up a sport
Whether you choose an organized teams sport like community tennis or something more solo like rock climbing, choosing an activity that has a purposeful and buildable skill set to practice outdoors can help you structure your time.
Being outside for a regularly scheduled activity that has a purpose, a time limit, and a regular interval can help you regulate your routine and provide a sense of grounding to your mental and physical engagement as well.
Research shows that outdoor sporting activities can engage your mental challenge cooperation centers, increasing satisfaction and drive alongside the mental health benefits.
2. Walk a trail
Trail walking is a diverse activity to take part in that requires little equipment and can be done just about anywhere. Despite the “trail” part, you don’t need to do your walking on a trail anyone else has identified. Wherever you find yourself and whenever it suits you, you can pick a path and take a wander.
Walks that carry you through forests, parks, or city streets can be an exciting way to explore a location for the first time or help you to find new things to love about a familiar place. If nature has never been your first choice of places to spend time, some cities have public art or mural walks that showcase the city’s unique talent and can help you feel a little more in your element as you benefit from the elements around you.
3. Go foraging
When you were a child, did you collect leaves, rocks, or other mementos of the Earth’s natural beauty? If you’re looking back on that rock and moss collection fondly right now, we’ve got great news for you! Foraging is an excellent hobby that acts as a natural remedy for depression and anxiety, as well as increasing your knowledge of the natural world around you!
In addition to being great for improving cognitive and emotional well-being, you can tailor your foraging excursions to other interests by choosing to forage for food, plant clippings, or even home decor. Just be sure to check the rules of the area you’re foraging in to ensure you aren’t damaging the natural environment.
4. Spend time near (or in!) water
Surfing, paddleboarding, and other water sports have been experiencing a revival of interest in the last couple of years, so now’s the time to get involved. There are clubs or even solo ways to experience the excellence of outdoor blue spaces while reconnecting with the water and yourself.
Even better, you don’t have to get in the water to benefit from its nearness. Take a favorite book or journal to the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves and gulls as you take in the environment. Been looking for a rock-solid reason to move to the beach? Turns out living there can add bonus benefits to your well-being!
You don't have to be a nature lover to benefit
If outside isn't really your thing, that's okay. The mental health benefits of being outside aren't directly attached to what you're doing while you're there. Instead of taking the plunge into a full-on outdoor activity commitment that may increase anxiety, consider bringing a hobby or activity you already love outdoors instead.
You might try reading a book, playing Tetris on your phone, or writing in a journal outside to acclimate to familiar activities in a new space gradually. Now that you know how nature can improve your mental health, you can take your time! These small steps can be a natural anxiety remedy that helps everything feel a little less intimidating as you work toward creating meaningful healing in your physical and mental health.
Regardless of the size of your steps, you’re making great progress, and nature never judges. Because LunaJoy is online, you can take us with you if you need to as you return to the roots of nature and lean on the strength of the natural world to heal.
