Focus on Getting Outdoors for Your Mental Health

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It isn’t always easy to get out and walk on a daily basis. Getting outdoors for your mental health is important. In fact, sometimes it can be more than a little tricky, for people with chronic illness, and long term fatigue and pain. However, there is no denying that the great outdoors is great for everybody. In fact, getting out regularly can give you a serious boost in your mental health.

Of course, you should always be mindful that there are likely many other people in the same area as you. Runnings, groups of walkers, and dog walkers. It might be tempting to say hello to the pooch but just remember that the excitement or surprise might end with you getting bitten. So respect the space of others on their outdoor time. 

It isn’t just about walking either – there is more to it than that. 

4 Benefits of getting outdoors for your mental health

Mood

You are likely to have an elevated mood the more often that you are outside in the fresh air. Although most research links this to step count if you aren’t able to walk, you will still get the mood boost. The fresh air has a big part to play in this, and so do the different surroundings.

In general, while it is lovely to soak in a new city, what you really want to do is head to the woods. People have an affinity with nature, and sometimes you really need to get back to it. 

Stress

It isn’t really much wonder that stress levels go down the more we are around the big green stuff. Trees that are. The combination of the trees, the air, and feeling like you might just be in the jungle book allow you to stop focussing so heavily on the things that you are currently grappling with and move into connecting with your body and your breath.

Sleep

Most parents will take their kids to the beach, or the woods and let them run around for hours. All of that fresh air – they’re bound to sleep, aren’t they! Well, the same goes for you. Running, jogging, walking, or pushing your wheels along will all boost those melatonin levels that contribute to the amount of sleep you’re going to get.

If you are looking to be in tune with your body and the earth, then you should be considering walking first thing in the morning, so you can get that morning sunshine. It will contribute to setting your circadian rhythm. 

Creativity

Of course, who doesn’t want to be more creative? Well, heading out into the world for a while will do just that. The colors of nature are, of course, always going to be an endless source of inspiration. The smell of leaves after the rain, the warm evenings that the jasmine or pine trees release oils and scent… In fact, it is hard not to be inspired by nature. 

In the end, even on the days you don’t want to move, getting out for a little while will feel amazing – if you can manage it, then try to. 

Do you focus on getting outdoors for your mental health?

My husband and I both notice that when we get outside and walk even to the corner store, we feel better. Getting outside does not have to be an all-day event. You can even just sit in the yard. It is just a matter of getting out of the house and enjoying the fresh air and having a change of scenery. 

Sometimes we get stick in our own heads and routines and don’t realize how much we need a change. I love to sit outside when the weather is nice and either read or work on my laptop.

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities that focus on getting outdoors for your mental health?