How Spending More Time Outdoors Can Change Your Whole Life
If you follow our LinkedIn page, we recently spoke about how Skychology as an approach has shown positive results in mental health. We’re always exploring, involving and adopting new ways to help you become the best versions of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally, and we’ve found that spending time in nature can benefit your mental health.
Nature and outdoor activities have long been known to have a positive impact on mental well-being. From hiking in the mountains to taking a stroll through a local park, there are many ways to incorporate nature into your daily routine.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits of nature and outdoor activities on mental well-being and provide tips on how to get started.
- Stress relief: One of the most well-known benefits of nature is its ability to reduce stress. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being.
- Improved mood: Don’t we all want to be happy all the time? Nature has also been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. One study found that people who walked in a forest for just 20 minutes had lower levels of negative thoughts and a greater sense of well-being than those who walked in an urban area.
- Increased self-esteem and self-worth: Spending time in nature can also boost self-esteem and self-worth. This can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with low self-esteem or self-worth.
- Increased focus and attention: Nature can also help to improve focus and attention. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve attention and concentration, which can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Improved physical health: In addition to its mental health benefits, spending time in nature can also improve physical health. Outdoor activities such as hiking and biking can help to improve cardiovascular health and increase muscle strength and endurance.
- Increased social connections: Nature can also help to increase social connections. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnics can provide opportunities to spend time with friends and family, which can improve overall well-being.