Mental Health Outdoor Recreation
By Justin Archer
Crisp mountain air against your skin, the sweet smell of the ocean, the sounds of bird chirping in the background, and a visual tapestry that no artist can compete with, all reasons that most of us feel better after spending some time outside. It feels good and natural for our bodies, but what effect does it have on our mind?
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you don’t need any convincing that outdoor recreation is good for your mental health. However, if you have a friend or family member that’s in need of a push to spend more time in the great outdoors (or even a reminder for yourself), here are a few great reasons why spending time in the nature might just keep you a little more sane.
Good for the Body, Good for the Mind
Physical exercise is the cheapest and most effective healthcare intervention you can make, but your heart isn’t the only one that will be thanking you. A number of drug trials have shown that regular aerobic exercise (think trail running or road racing) is just as effective as some of the leading SSRI drugs for alleviating symptoms of depression. Additionally, exercise has been shown to boost the immune system, which is increasing believed to be a factor in such mental disorders as schizophrenia.
Better Living Through Chemistry
Strenuous physical activity causes a release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which have the dual effect of dulling post-exercise soreness and eliminating stress. These chemicals, which our bodies produce naturally after a hard workout, are even more effective than the leading anti-anxiety medications currently on the market. If work has you down, or you’re stressing about a fight with your romantic partner, a brisk walk through the woods will get you calmed down and thinking clearly.
Outside: It’s Where We Belong
It’s a fact, we spend most of our lives indoors: 8 hours at the office, 8 hours in our bed, a couple hours in the car – there’s very little time left in the day to be outside. All that time indoors is, unfortunately, not great for our mental health. Human beings have an innate desire to be in nature, a phenomenon referred to as biophilia. It’s the reason we grow gardens, just for the fun of it, and it’s why we take plants from the outside world and put them in pots on our desks. Seeing element of the natural world makes us feel more at peace. Fortunately, you don’t need to live as a hermit in the woods to get the benefits of nature – pack a lunch for work and eat it in a nearby park (even the office lawn is better than nothing). Better yet, skip the gym this weekend and go for a run outside – flowers and fresh cut grass beat out the smell of a musty treadmill any day.
Peace in a Chaotic World
Our everyday lives are filled with alarm bells, ringing telephones, and all manner of beeps. They’re ostensibly there to keep us on track and productive, but in reality, they distract of from our jobs and prevent us from getting as much done. Taking some time to recreate outside, away from your phone and computer, is one of the best ways to get some peace and quiet. Take a hike on the weekend rather than stopping in at the office or go for a run instead of checking emails in the morning. Your increased productivity and alertness will offset those few hours that you spent away from work and you’ll feel a whole lot better.
Achieving Your Goals
Few things feel better than a job well done. It’s one of the reasons (along with the obvious financial incentive) that we work hard in our careers. All too often though, people get stuck in the belief that there job is the sole source of this sense of accomplishment. Why can’t your goals be fun though, something more than hitting those quarterly sales goals?
Make some goals for your outdoor recreation and plan something big: run a marathon, complete a long-distance hike, or climb that peak that you’ve been dreaming about. Achieving these goals boosts self-esteem and gives us a sense of mastery. However, you don’t need to hike the Appalachian Trail next summer to start seeing these benefits. Just setting a goal like going on a hike every weekend, or making time for that big kayaking trip with your friend will give you something to look forward to and be proud of.
Nature is Always Better with a Friend
There’s nothing wrong with embarking on a solo hike or paddle, but you have to admit, the outdoors are a whole lot more fun when you have someone to enjoy them with. Participating in outdoor actives together can strengthen friendships and help you build new ones. If your friends aren’t as into nature, consider joining a club or MeetUp will help you come into contact with likeminded, outdoorsy people.
Commit to Spending More Time Outside
Clearly, spending time outside is good for us, so why don’t we do it more often? It’s just so easy to get complacent (binge watching Netflix instead of going for a run requires less effort). Sometimes you need a commitment device to get a healthy habit to stick. Below are a few tips that will help you spend more time outside and improve your mental health.
- If you’re a runner, sign up for a race. Give yourself something to strive for, and the training sessions will give you a few more hours each week outside.
- Have a sport you like to do: climbing, kayaking, cycling? Join a MeetUp group; you’ll make some new friends and the social pressure will keep you going to that event each week, even when it feels much easier to just lounge on the couch.
- Try something new. Never hit the slopes before? This winter, book yourself a skiing/snowboarding lesson and see if the sport is right for you.
Author Bio
Growing up Justin suffered badly with depression, was suicidal and used to self harm, He eventually got through these dark times but then remained always anxious
It wasn’t until he got into hiking and other outdoor recreation, met other like-minded people, was he able to get past his issues and feel more confident socially.
About The Author
