Spring is often a time for renewal and growth, but sometimes that can also bring on extra stress and anxiety. There’s still so much uncertainty in the world, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed from time to time. If you’re looking for ways to help reduce stress this season, why not spend some extra time outdoors?

Connecting with nature and immersing yourself in the beauty of spring has been proven to have numerous benefits for mental health. Here, we’ll explore how spending more time outside can make us physically and mentally healthier during this transition into warmer weather.

Why getting outside is good for our mental health

Maintaining our mental well-being for a healthy, balanced lifestyle is essential. Taking care of your mental health helps foster positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues and can make you a better person overall. Mental health care includes finding healthy ways to cope with stress in life, developing problem-solving skills, and learning tools that can assist you in becoming more mindful and conscious of what is happening around us.

Although it may seem difficult at times, engaging in activities that promote mental resilience can increase your inner peace and well-being and strengthen relationships with others and yourself. Venturing outdoors can be a powerful way to boost our mental health, particularly when struggling with emotions like stress and depression. Studies suggest that walking in nature can help reduce stress levels, increase positive emotions, and create a more relaxed mindset.

Sunlight also releases serotonin in the brain, which is associated with improved mood, energy, and focus. Additionally, as nature offers an abundance of beauty, it can inspire moments of awe that help improve our outlook on life. Spending time among trees and plants also provides us with plenty of oxygen which can lead to increased alertness and productivity.

Finally, being outdoors allows people to disconnect from technology to connect with themselves. Taking the time to remove distractions keeps us centered and will enable us to gain clarity on our thoughts and feelings. We may feel inspired and renewed mentally and emotionally by taking advantage of these natural gifts outdoors.

Vitamin D Boost from Sunlight

One of the most significant benefits of spending time outside when the weather warms up is the increase in vitamin D that comes from catching a few rays of sunshine. Vitamin D helps to keep bones, teeth, and muscles strong and healthy, boosts immunity, reduces depression symptoms, and may even help with weight loss. Therefore, getting at least 15 minutes of sunlight each day during the spring is important if you want to take advantage of these amazing benefits.

Improved Sleep Quality

Another benefit of spending time outdoors during this season is improved sleep quality. Getting enough exercise throughout the day and exposure to natural light can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This will give your body more energy throughout the day so you can power through any task that comes your way.

Stress Relief

Lastly, taking some time off to spend in nature is a great way to reduce stress levels. Nature has been known as one of the most effective ways to reduce stress because you are surrounded by calming visuals, such as trees and flowers while disconnecting from technology which helps lower cortisol levels in your body. Additionally, outdoors encourages mindfulness which further decreases stress levels.

Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal. As the days get longer and the sun starts to shine, it’s a great time to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. But did you know that outdoor activities can benefit your mental health? Here are three activities you can do in the springtime to help improve your mental health.

Going for a Walk/Run/Hike

One of the easiest and most accessible activities to improve your mental health is walking, running, or hiking. Not only does exercise have physical benefits, but it also boosts endorphin levels which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Taking time out of your day to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature is always beneficial for your mental well-being. Plus, it doesn’t take much effort or cost anything! All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and an open mind.

Visiting a Local Park or Forest Preserve

Another great activity you can do this spring to boost your mental health is visiting a local park or forest preserve. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress levels, improve moods, increase creativity and problem-solving skills, and even decrease symptoms of depression. Plus, being outside allows us to connect with our surroundings in ways that just aren’t possible when we’re indoors all the time. So grab some friends or family members (or go solo!) and explore what nature has to offer!

Gardening/Planting Flowers or Vegetables

Gardening can be another great way to improve your mental health this springtime. Not only does gardening give us something tangible that we can see progress on over time—from planting seeds to growing flowers or vegetables—but it also provides us with an opportunity for mindfulness practice as we cultivate our garden over months or even years. Gardening allows us to use our hands (which releases endorphins) and our minds (which helps keep us focused). Plus, it’s often therapeutic just getting “down in the dirt,” so to speak!

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. You can do many outdoor activities that will not only improve your physical health but also help boost your mental well-being. Going for a walk, run or hike, visiting a local park or forest preserve, and gardening/planting flowers or vegetables are all great ways to reduce stress levels while increasing endorphin production which can help with depression symptoms as well as weight loss. So this spring season, don’t forget to take advantage of these amazing benefits by spending at least 15 minutes in nature each day!

As therapeutic as nature can be, sometimes it is not enough to improve mental health on its own. So if you find yourself struggling, please don’t hesitate to contact Serene Health. We offer a wide variety of behavioral health and mental health services to help you heal and thrive. We also have appointments available through our Telehealth platform so that you can speak to a therapist online from wherever you choose. Call us at 844-737-3638 or visit www.serenehealth.com to schedule an appointment.