People manage their mental health in many alternative ways. That includes attending therapy, finding support groups, or taking medications to help manage their symptoms. You may also consider working with Laguna Shores Recovery Center. But did you know you can also improve your mental health and well-being by simply spending time outside? And what better time to get yourself outdoors than during summer? 

Spending time outdoors hiking, walking, and going on adventures can significantly reduce mental health symptoms. It also reduces the risk of falling back into harmful behaviors or thought patterns. Fresh air, vitamin C, and physical activity are not practiced enough in society. Unfortunately, it shows when you examine the state of mental health today. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of spending time outside this summer! 

Physical Benefits of Spending Time Outside

There was once a time when the livelihood of Americans required them to be outside. Then, out of nowhere, everyone started wanting office jobs. Now, people do whatever they can to get outdoors, soak up the sun, and improve their well-being. Anyone who spends eight hours or more inside, sitting at a desk, and looking at a computer is at risk of experiencing mental health problems. Many do not realize they can improve their well-being, even if they start small with a 15-minute walk daily. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that being outside can improve physical wellness. They say, “Being outside in green spaces supports an active and healthy lifestyle.” An active and healthy lifestyle can increase life expectancy and improve sleep quality. Time outside allows you to exercise, garden, or partake in other activities that enhance physical health. 

Additionally, spending time outsides and surrounding yourself with nature is relaxing. It reduces stress and cortisol levels, eases muscle tension, lowers heart rates, and reduces your risk of developing chronic physical conditions. But what does this mean for your mental health? 

We can not expect to care for our mental health if we can not care for our bodies. To improve our mental or overall well-being, we must achieve physical wellness. Sometimes doing so is easier said than done. Nevertheless, it is possible, and most individuals who lead happy, healthy lives spend a significant amount of time outside. You can also incorporate time outdoors with your mental health treatment routine. 

Holistic Mental Health Treatment and Nature Therapy

• The best way to incorporate the outdoors into your mental health treatment is through nature therapy. Individuals incorporate all kinds of holistic and alternative therapies into their treatment routines. 

Spending time outside can restore your mental capacity and reduce symptoms of mental illness. Research indicates that the rise of the industrial revolution caused a severe decline in the time people spend outdoors. That can explain why the stress levels of fellow Americans are so high, and so many struggle with mental health. 

You can practice nature therapy in many ways. That includes farming-related therapy, adventure therapy, or animal-assisted therapy. Some of the benefits you will typically experience include: 

• Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety 
• Improvements in cognitive functions 
• Increased happiness 
• Reduced stress levels 
• Improve symptoms of other mental health conditions and social isolation 

All these benefits are great, but among the hustle and bustle of daily life, getting yourself outside can be easier said than done. So how can you start spending more time outdoors? 

How to Start Spending Time Outside More Often

Spending more time outside can be easier said than done, and you can start doing so by following these simple tips: 

• Finding an activity you enjoy doing in nature, such as gardening, farming, or walking 
• Lookout up local trails or parks in your area and check them out with a friend 
• Bring the outdoors inside by filling your living room, office, or kitchen with plants 
• Reduce your screen time, and instead of turning on the TV after a long day, go outside for a 15-minute walk 
• Walk up early and go outside first thing in the morning with a book or cup of coffee and soak up some Vitamin D

Outdoor Activities to Try This Summer

Thankfully, summer is a great time to experiment with new outdoor activities. Here are some activities you can consider trying with yourself, your family, or a group of friends: 

• Camping 
• Biking 
• Hiking or rock climbing 
• Gardening 
• Have a barbecue 
• Attending a music festival 
• Checking out an outdoor arts and crafts fair 
• Going to weekly farmer markets 
• Exercising outside, whether that includes sports, walking, or yoga
• Visiting a national park 

These are just a few fun outdoor activities you can experiment with this summer to improve your mental well-being. To learn more or seek help improving your mental health, contact Laguna Shores Recovery Center today! 

Millions of Americans struggle with their physical and mental well-being every day, and while we can not say what the direct cause is of the mental health crisis, many attribute a lack of spending time outside to the problem. That is why you should utilize this summer to take advantage of time outdoors and experiment with fun summer activities. Not only will you see physical benefits, but you may notice reduced feelings of anxiety or depression, increased happiness, and an overall improved state of wellness. Speak to a doctor or mental health professional to learn more about the benefits of spending time outside, and call Laguna Shores Recovery Center at 954-688-5806 for mental health care today.