Can spending time outdoors really improve our mental health? The short answer is yes! According to an article by McLean Hospital several research studies have found that time spent in nature can improve our mental health. The article cites specific findings in the improvement of overall mood and attention, as well as the positive effects nature can have on the brain. Here is the breakdown.

Overall Mood

A 2010 study found that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and mood. The effects were even greater when people were around water. Another study linked experiences in nature to improved mood, positive social interaction, and a sense of meaning and purpose. Finally, a 2012 study found that participants who took nature walks had significant increases in positive emotions and decreases in negative emotions following the activity. 

Attention

A 2020 study found that nature can improve our focus and attention. This has positive implications for individuals with attention difficulties. In addition, a study on green play settings found that children’s ADHD symptoms were more manageable after activities that took place in green spaces rather than other areas.

Brain-Changing Effects

Studies have also found that time spent outdoors and breathing in fresh air causes our brains to release serotonin. Sunlight also causes our brains to release serotonin. Serotonin is the same neurotransmitter present in the most common antidepressant medications. Sunlight also synthesizes vitamin D, which is needed for good mental health. In addition, the release of Melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our internal clock, is directly affected by the amount of natural light that reaches our eyes during the day. Thus, the amount of time we spend outside impacts our body’s internal clock. 

How to Get Outside More

After hearing all of these benefits to being outdoors most people will want to get outside more. Need help figuring out how to do that? Here are a few ideas of how you can spend more time outdoors and in nature.

• Go for a hike
• Take a walk through a local nature park
• Stroll on a neighborhood walking trail 
• Go birdwatching
• Ride your bike on a wooded bike trail
• Take your dog for a walk
• Get out on the water with a kayak or boat
• Go for a run

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