Natural Healing: Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of the Outdoors
By Kelly Severhof, MSN, PMHNP-BC
3 min read
Ever notice how stepping outside gives you a nice break? Feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, hearing the sound of birds chirping, or seeing the vibrant colors of flowers as they're blooming. Somehow, nature knows how to lift our mood without asking for anything in return.
There's something so comforting about the outdoors, and there’s evidence that supports this feeling. Science is starting to catch up with what many of us have felt all along: spending time in nature can have real and measurable benefits for our mental health.
How Does Nature Benefit Mental Health?
We might be innately connected to nature, which gives us life through the air we breathe, the water that we drink, and the food that we eat. And it’s no surprise that engaging in this connection can help us feel more grounded and in touch with our roots. In fact, a growing amount of research is backing this up, revealing that spending time in nature can enhance our mental well-being. Whether it’s part of a broader self-care routine or simply having a little moment to ourselves in the outdoors, connecting with nature can have really meaningful benefits.
What Does the Research Say?
While nature just feels intuitively calming, science is starting to prove that these natural good feelings are real. Research is shining a light on some powerful ways that spending time outdoors supports our mental well-being. Here are just a few benefits that studies have shown:
Increasing our brain functions, including memory and attention
Helping kids and teens regulate their emotions
Improving the quality of our sleep
Lowering stress hormones, and having a stronger sense of calm
Improving feelings of fulfillment and quality of life
Reducing anxiety and negative emotions
Boosting our overall mood
Nature’s benefits go far beyond just helping us relax - it can leave us feeling more energized, emotionally tuned in, and mentally clear. And here’s a fun fact: you likely already know that physical activity is great for mental health, but research has found that where you move your body matters too. When people do the same activity in nature instead of in manmade environments, the mental health benefits are usually more powerful.
Ways to Incorporate More Nature Intro Your Routine
The best part is that there is no one-size-fits-all “prescription” for how much time you need to spend in nature, or how you decide to connect with nature in order to feel the benefits. In fact, research shows that spending even just 10 minutes outside or incorporating natural elements indoors can have a positive impact on how you feel. Here are some easy ways to bring more nature into your life:
Take a walk outdoors
Sit outside, even for a few minutes
Eat your meals outside
Engage in your physical activities (exercise, yoga, sports, etc.) in nature
Add plants, water fountains, or nature-inspired art to your indoor spaces
Play in the rain
In winter, bundle up and find ways to enjoy the cold - throw a snowball, make a snowman, or sip some hot cocoa outdoors
Spending time in nature isn’t just a pleasant escape - it’s a simple, accessible way to support your mental well-being. Whether it’s a walk through the park, admiring houseplants, or just sitting outside for a few quiet minutes, even small moments of connection with the natural world can make a meaningful difference. There’s no perfect formula, but rather an open invitation to step outside, breathe deeply, and let nature do what it’s always done: help us feel rejuvenated.
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References
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All content and information on this website are for informational purposes only. None of the material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information does not create any client-provider relationship. Please consult with your mental health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.