Incredible Mental Health Benefits of Being in Nature

Growing up, I loved to be outdoors. I was the type of kid who could spend hours exploring nature, climbing trees, playing with rocks, swimming in lakes—you name it. Then, when I was in middle school, I slipped into a deep depression, and any desire I had to be outdoors disappeared from my life. For years, the extent of my outdoor activity was a periodic walk through my neighborhood; aside from that, I spent the vast majority of my time holed up in my bedroom.

As I’ve progressed in recovery, I’ve gradually become in tune with my outdoorsy side again. It’s been incredible to see the impact my reinterest in being outside in nature has had on not only my physical health but my mental health as well.

Nature has become a way for me to clear my head and temporarily escape from my various stressors. It’s fostered an appreciation for the planet and a desire to lead an eco-conscious life. It’s gotten me to move more, which has improved my cardiovascular health, as well as my body image. It’s given me something productive to do when I otherwise would stay at home and watch TV.

I can’t stress enough the importance of spending time outside. I wish I had realized this a couple of years ago when I was struggling with depression because there’s a good chance it would have alleviated some of my emotional turmoil. I know I can’t go back and change things; the best I can do is be thankful that I’ve rediscovered my love of the outdoors and appreciate the role it plays in my current recovered life.

Recently, I’ve noticed a strong correlation between my mood and energy and the amount of time I spend outside. I’m dealing with a knee injury at the moment, so my favorite outdoor activity—running—is temporarily off-limits. At the start of my injury, I reverted to some of my old ways, most notably opting to stay in rather than go out, and that led to an increase in feelings of sadness and stress and a decrease in motivation and energy.

Fortunately, that’s changed over the past week. I try to get outside at least twice, if not more, a day, even if it’s only to take a walk around the block. When I have more time and stamina, I’ll ride my bike or go on a hike on level ground. I’ve found ways to be in nature and do movement that simultaneously meet my body’s unique needs, and I feel much happier and healthier as a result.

This past weekend, my mom, brother, and I hiked around a state park. It was a cool, mid-sixties-degree morning, and the air was fresh and crisp. The leaves are beginning to change in New England now that it’s fall, making our surroundings exceptionally scenic. We even spotted a deer and her four sweet fawns prancing through the wooded area.

As we hiked, we talked about what we were looking forward to in the future, we joked about things from our past, and we remarked about how the mild inclines weren’t bothering my knee as much. We never mentioned politics, the pandemic, or any other stress-inducing topic. We never checked our phones, and we were continually upbeat and optimistic. How could we not be when we were in such a beautiful place coexisting with such beautiful creatures?

The peace and clarity that nature provides us with are not only incredible but important for maintaining a healthy mindset in a hectic world. Let’s be real: it’s a stressful time to be alive. The majority of people seem tenser than normal lately—and who could blame them with everything that’s going on in the world and our day-to-day lives?

We all need—and deserve—to take some time and space to find peace within ourselves. I’ve found that in nature, and it’s changed my life for the better. Once a depressed homebody, I now look forward to my outdoor adventures for keeping me grounded and in good health.