Nature Therapy: The Mental Health Benefits of Getting Outside

As the temperatures start to cool down, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of nature’s built-in therapy. Whether it’s hiking a local trail, walking along the beach, or simply sitting under a tree, spending time outside offers more than fresh air.

Spending time outside offers mental health benefits, a concept known as eco-psychology. It can help improve your mood, reduce stress, and help you feel recharged.

Read on to learn more about the mental health benefits of getting outside.

Learn more about eco-psychology

Eco-psychology examines the relationship between humans and the natural world. Research shows that your brain and body respond positively to time spent outdoors. 

Time spent in nature can lower stress hormones, boost feel-good neurotransmitters, and help you feel more grounded and connected to the world around you.

How nature therapy benefits you

How exactly does spending time outside improve your mental health? There are many factors to consider. 

Nature therapy impacts neurotransmitters 

When you step outside, your senses engage in ways that indoor life just can’t replicate. Sunlight exposure can increase serotonin levels, which may improve mood and focus.

Sunlight doesn’t just increase serotonin. It also helps your body produce vitamin D, and low levels of this nutrient are associated with a low mood.

Nature therapy lowers your stress

Spending time in natural environments, especially green spaces, reduces stress hormones. Forest bathing — a Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku — is particularly good for lowering your stress levels.

Researchers have found that the benefits of forest bathing extend beyond reduced cortisol levels. Forest bathing can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of anxiety and depression, increase natural killer (NK) cell activity (which helps prevent cancer), and improve mood. 

In fact, researchers found that 9% of all hypertension cases could be avoided if you spent time in a green space once a week for at least 30 minutes.

Nature therapy removes you from the noise of digital life

Excessive screen use can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Plus, the blue light emitted by screens can sabotage your circadian rhythm and impact your sleep, which then impacts your mental health.

Being outside also gives your mind a break from constant digital stimulation, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout. 

Nature therapy gives you space to move

Physical activity — both indoors and outdoors — is good for your mental health, but nature gives you plenty of beautiful spaces to stay active. Hiking, biking, or beach walking releases endorphins, while natural scenery helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

Why fall is the perfect time to start

To sum it up, nature therapy can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels
• Improve your mood
• Boost your focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills
• Encourage physical activity 
• Help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you

And now is the perfect time to start. Cooler weather makes it easier to enjoy longer walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities without the discomfort of summer heat. It’s a great opportunity to establish a regular “nature time” habit before winter sets in. 

You don’t have to commit to all-day adventures to reap the benefits. Start small: a morning walk in the park, a weekend beach stroll, or sitting outside with your coffee.  Just be consistent. Even just 30 minutes outdoors can lead to measurable benefits in blood pressure, heart rate, and mental clarity.

Ready to take the first step toward better mental health?

In eco-psychology, nature isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a partner in healing.

Contact Body & Mind Consulting to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you through your journey.