6 Benefits of Outdoor Activities to Help You Improve Your Mental Health

Over the last two years, the pandemic has impacted our mental health in a lot of ways than one. Because of the fear of getting COVID-19, many people found themselves retreating indoors and only going outside of their homes for work or to run errands. 

 

But over time, this can also affect one’s mental health. Moreover, there are other negative effects of staying indoors many don’t realize. 

 

Going outdoors and soaking in nature gives your mind and body numerous benefits- benefits that you often couldn’t get if you stayed indoors. It’s also vital to your mind and body to spend some time in nature. 

 

In this post, we’ll walk you through the benefits of outdoor activities to help you improve your mental health: 

 

1. Self-efficacy and confidence

Going outdoors gives you plenty of opportunities to succeed, Activities like biking or hiking challenge you with a successful outcome. Great team building activities also offer plenty of opportunities for independence and self-reliance. 

 

By completing these activities or challenges, in a way, participants are stepping out of their comfort zones and overcoming any fears or concerns they may have. This significantly boosts confidence, which can translate into every aspect of one’s life. 

 

2. Reduces stress

 

There are plenty of factors that could increase stress levels. Over time, this stress can significantly impact your mental and physical health. 

 

The good news is that just spending 20-30 minutes outdoors can significantly reduce stress levels. 

 

A Japanese study focusing on the effects of Shinrin-yoku (Defined as making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest) found that even just a short period outdoors significantly reduces cortisol levels, which are natural chemicals in your body that cause stress. Being outdoors relieves muscle tensions, and this decreases stress.

 

3. Relieve insomnia

Do you have trouble sleeping? Getting outside helps enhance your overall sleep quality and relieves any sleep problems. 

 

In fact, stepping away from artificial light and soaking in natural sunlight resets your circadian rhythm, making you feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep. 

 

4. It puts your mind at ease

 

Spending time in nature helps put your mind at ease. We’re constantly surrounded by stressors, whether they’re work-related, personal relationships, or financial setbacks.

 

Sometimes, you want to take a breather from what’s stressing you out and put your mind at ease. Being outdoors allows your mind to decompress and normalize. 

 

Spending more time in nature also allows you to become more mindful of your surroundings and present in the moment. It will enable you to clear your mind from the daily stressors that can eventually weigh you down and lead to mental fatigue. 

 

Moreover, exposing yourself to restorative environments such as nature and the great outdoors helps you get on track and feel re-energized afterward. 

 

5. Resilience

 

One of the best ways that one could develop resilience is through challenges: 

 

Challenge + Support = Growth

 

Outdoor activities like team-building exercises are specifically tailored to enhance the ability of participants to withstand any challenges and thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances. 

 

With the help and guidance of instructors, participants will find themselves pushing through in ways they never thought possible, with a great support system ensuring their success. 

 

6. Boosts Mood

 

There are plenty of outdoor elements that you can’t simply replicate if you stay inside. One of them is fresh air and direct sunlight that has numerous benefits to one’s well-being, 

 

Natural exposure to the sun helps improve mood and self-esteem. In fact, studies found that people have higher serotonin levels on bright and sunny days, regardless if it’s warm or cold outside. 

 

Serotonin is our body’s mood stabilizer- it reduces symptoms of anxiety or depression while enhancing mood. Doing fun physical activities outdoors also releases endorphins, a feel-good chemical in your body. 

 

Here are some great activities that you can do outdoors: 

 

• Going camping
• Going for a walk to run
• Opting for a bike ride on a trail
• Gardening
• Moving your workouts outdoors instead of indoors
• Meditating or doing yoga outdoors
• Going for a swim
• Spending the day on a picnic with your loved ones

 

To Wrap It Up

So there you have it. These strategies let you reap the mental health benefits of heading outdoors. You can significantly improve your mental health by spending significant time in nature.