The Mental Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
Have you ever visited a beautiful natural place and instantly felt a sense of peace? You’re not alone! Whether you visit a stunning mountain, trickling stream, quaint local park or your own backyard, the simple act of going outdoors can make you feel better. Let’s talk about the mental health benefits of being outdoors.
Being Outdoors Resets Your Circadian Rhythm
Having trouble sleeping? Try spending more time outdoors! Exposure to natural sunlight helps reset your circadian rhythm, which tells your body when to sleep. And that’s important because when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to feel angry, irritable, or sad.
For the best results, choose a place with bright sunshine instead of shade. That way, your body gets a stronger dose of light.
Sunshine Also Helps Relieve Depression
Do you typically feel down in the winter? It’s common to experience seasonal depression when the days are short. That’s because our bodies naturally respond to sunlight. So when we get less of it, we’re more likely to experience depression. Conversely, spending time outdoors in the sunshine helps relieve depression.
So spend time outdoors whenever you can. Even two hours per week is enough for you to feel the benefits. But remember, if you feel persistently depressed, you may need treatment. So talk to a doctor or mental health provider about your symptoms.
Being Outdoors Increases Social Connection
Loneliness is a serious concern for seniors, but being outdoors can help. When you visit outdoor spaces, you’re more likely to chat with others. Whether you strike up a conversation while walking your dog, say hi to neighbors while taking a stroll around your neighborhood, or visit an outdoor festival, you’re likely to enjoy increased social connection.
Want to increase your social connection even more? Try setting up a regular meeting with friends for a picnic or hike. Alternatively, join an outdoor club or team. Normandy Living’s Walking Club is an excellent choice!
Being Outdoors Makes Exercising Easier
You probably know that exercise helps your mental health. All those endorphins really make you feel good! But it can be hard to get excited about exercising indoors. After all, staring at a wall while you lift weights or walk on a treadmill is pretty boring.
In contrast, being outdoors makes it easy to exercise without feeling like you’re putting in as much effort. For instance, walking at an outdoor event, gardening, building a snowman, and going birdwatching all involve exercise but feel more like fun!
Being Outdoors Is Restorative
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of daily living. Bills, politics, news, family drama, and health concerns sometimes take over our minds. Plus, there’s the constant bombardment of stimulation. Bright lights, televisions, computers, tablets, and phones often overstimulate our brains.
In contrast, being outdoors helps us relax and restore our minds to a more peaceful state. The smells, sounds, and views of natural spaces calm our minds and give us a sense of well-being. So when you find yourself feeling stressed, try visiting a beautiful outdoor place–here in the Yukon, we’re surrounded by them!
There are a whole host of mental health benefits to being in nature, so try to carve out some time each week to spend outdoors. And remember, with winter coming, it’s fine to go outdoors for smaller bits of time. Even spending a few minutes at a time in the courtyard or on your balcony can help!
Need ideas for what to do outdoors in the winter? Read about five senior-friendly winter activities here!
