In this modern world where life has become so busy, it is easy to forget how much stepping outdoors can make your day.
The act of being outdoors, whether it be hiking, hunting, fishing or even just going for a walk, has an ability to calm us, improve our moods and reconnect us with something essential to our roots. The fact of the matter is, nature has been our home, and spending time in it is essential to our well-being.
This is not just an old wives’ tale; this has been studied and is a well-researched fact. Studies show that spending time outdoors can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and increase brain chemicals responsible for happiness, like endorphins and serotonin. Even five minutes of being outdoors can improve self-esteem and mood. The evidence all points to nature, fresh air and sunlight are a great cure for anxiety and depression.
Don’t get me wrong, technology has helped us in many different ways; however, technology has affected our mental health more than most of us think. Countless notifications, social media and emails have caused our attention span to drop to an all-time low. Being out in nature gives us the perfect opportunity to unplug from the rush of everyday life and become more present with ourselves and the people in our lives.
Whenever you step outdoors, you start to subconsciously notice different senses and phenomena around you. You feel the sun on your face, you smell the flowers around you and hear the birds chirping. These small moments can remind us to stay present in the moment, which allows us to think clearly and more slowly. Slower and calmer thinking allows us to be more focused and cool-headed once we return to work.
Being outdoors has its physical benefits, but it also has emotional and social benefits. Going on a hike, a bike ride or a camping trip with friends or family can create lifelong memories and connections. My girlfriend and I try to go hiking quite often, as it is a way for us to destress and reconnect with each other after a long week.
Going outdoors also puts my life into perspective. I took a trip out to the Grand Canyon a few years ago, and just seeing the vastness of the Grand Canyon reminded me that I am a part of something bigger. When I become stressed out, I remind myself of the Grand Canyon, and it makes me feel like my personal problems are a lot smaller and more manageable.
To me, nature has a humbling effect. Constantly reminding me that my problems are just one small part of a bigger picture.
Physical activity plays a major role in how being outdoors affects your happiness. Whenever you perform physical activity outdoors, whether it be playing sports or even just walking, your body releases endorphins, which are the same brain chemicals that produce that “runner’s high” feeling.
To me, working out outdoors is a lot more enjoyable. The scenery keeps me motivated to keep going. I joined a summer lacrosse league, and it was always in the evening, and the scenery was always beautiful. It reminded me of how blessed I am to run outdoors with such beautiful scenery all around me.
In a way, the scenery kept me outdoors longer than I often planned to be. It became not only wanting to play the game of lacrosse but also being outdoors, enjoying the warm sun and air around me.
Being outdoors is a necessity and is essential to our mood, our health and minds. Being in nature reduces stress and lifts our spirits. In a time when it is easy to feel stressed or sad, the easiest way to feel better might be to step outside and surround yourself with the beauty of nature.