For many people, spending time in nature is a part of their regular routine. Perhaps they go on a walk in the morning, or they read in the park on a weekend afternoon. However, nature is more than just pretty flowers and a place to get a good hike in. It can also improve your mental health.

Health care professionals often encourage people to spend time outside to improve their mental health. But how much truth is there to it? Actually, quite a bit. There’s been a ton of research on the different ways that nature can positively affect your mental well-being.

Read on to learn about the specific ways that nature can improve your mental health and mental health disorder symptoms.

How nature plays a role in good mental health

The impact of nature on mental health has been a subject of research for quite a while, and studies virtually all point in the direction of a positive impact. For instance, research shows that more than 900 studies were completed on the topic. More than 95% of those studies showed mental health improvements when subjects were exposed to natural outdoor environments.

Spending time in nature can vary depending on the area that you’re living in. It could mean hiking in a national park, working in your garden or watching the stars from a nearby hill. All of these are good ways to improve your mental health.

Here’s how nature can positively impact your mental health:

• Improves overall mood — Regardless of your current mood, whether it’s negative, positive or something in the middle, nature can boost your mood. Exposure to sunlight and fresh air, increasing your oxygen levels, can raise your serotonin levels. This neurotransmitter plays a role in your mood regulation. Higher levels of serotonin in the brain have been linked to positive emotions.
• Decreases feelings of depression or anxiety — Branching off the previous point, by boosting the level of serotonin in your brain, you can reduce negative feelings that are affecting your productivity and relationships. Increasing serotonin can alleviate feelings of sadness and worry, as well as symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

• Reduces feelings of loneliness — Feeling lonely can have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if you’re experiencing a major depressive disorder episode, which can lead to social withdrawal or isolation. Nature can make you feel more connected with your community, providing you with a sense of belonging. You can also find opportunities to socialize in nature by joining exercise groups or engaging in nature-related activities, such as bird-watching.

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• Encourages creativity — Coping mechanisms can play an important role in overcoming mental health challenges, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder triggers. Common coping mechanisms include playing music, making art or writing poetry. If you’re struggling with your creativity or you’re experiencing mental fatigue, nature can help bring you some energy and inspiration by clearing your mind with increased oxygen.
• Boosts physical health — Your physical health and mental health often go hand in hand. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be difficult to take care of yourself with a proper diet and regular exercise. An unhealthy diet or an inactive lifestyle can contribute to poor mental health. Spending time in nature, such as going for a jog or a hike, is a great opportunity for exercise.

Find compassionate, effective mental health treatment at Lightfully

There are a variety of ways that you can prioritize your mental health throughout your day-to-day life, including getting fresh air by spending time in nature. For people with mental health distress or disorders, nature is just one of many ways to alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall health and wellness.

By talking to a psychotherapist, you can learn and develop coping mechanisms that can help you alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. If you need further support for your mental health beyond regular outpatient therapy sessions, Lightfully may be what you’re looking for.

Our levels of care include Residential Treatment (RTC), Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP), Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program. We treat your whole person, not just your mental health conditions. Because you’re more than your diagnosis.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.