How Being Outside Can Help Your Mental Health
One of my favorite ways to get in some good self care is to get outside. It’s something about the sun on my face and a fresh breeze around me, that really helps me feel grounded and centered. Oftentimes allowing me to snap out of a bad mood, or helping me recharge enough to handle my next task. It helps in so many different ways and with so many different things that it’s no wonder getting out in nature is a preferred way to get in some easy self care.
Benefits of getting outdoors
It can help improve your sleep. As you may have read in my previous blog post, Four Things You Can do NOW to Start Feeling Better, getting good sleep is vital to feeling like your best self. When you get outside and into some sunshine it can help with your circadian rhythm. This in turn helps you to feel more tired in the evening, fall asleep faster, and get better sleep all together.
It can help boost your motivation. Getting fresh air can help clear your mind. And when your mind is clearer it can be more easily motivated to get some stuff done. And while you are outside and feeling motivated, it could be a great time to get some stuff done outside! Maybe weed those garden beds, wash the car, or throw the stick around with your pup.
It can minimize depression. Have you ever noticed how in the winter when you are not getting as much sunlight, your mood starts to shift a little? Maybe you notice lower motivation to get everything done, or maybe you just seem to be ready for bed much sooner. Perhaps you even notice a general feeling of apathy at some point in winter. There is a good chance this is due to not getting enough sun! Vitamin D can play a big role in your mood. Getting outside and getting enough sunlight can help elevate your mood and keep you feeling your best self.
Aside from mental health benefits, there are also lots of physical health benefits too like, better breathing, and boosted immune system. So with all this in mind, it makes sense that your next question may be, “How do I get outside more to reap all these awesome benefits?” Here’s a few things you can try.
4 ways to help you get outdoors
Take your work break or lunch break and go outside. This could look like taking a walk, in which you are not only getting in movement but also fresh air and sunshine, but this could also look like just sitting outside and grounding yourself by staying present and taking in your surroundings. Either way, even just 5 minutes could help you get in some good self care.
Start a garden. Whether you are into produce or flowers, get some planters and get outside to tend to them. In fact getting your hands in soil can help promote feelings of happiness and relaxation. Who knew getting your hands dirty could be so great for you? If you have kids, this is a great way to get them outside and helping you too. Kids love dirt.
Check your emails on the stoop. Realistically, you may not have time to get outside simply for pleasure. But that should not stop you from multi-tasking and getting in some outdoor benefits. If you have the ability to work remotely, why not take it outside and sit in the sun while you work?
Plan a walking date with a friend. What better way to motivate yourself to get outside than with an accountability buddy. Getting in movement outdoors with a friend is a great way to connect, which is double the self care!
You may be thinking, “Okay this is great and all, but where I am Winter is cold and I am not going outside.” Or maybe the weather is just wet and rainy. While some would say there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, I understand it is not realistic for everyone to have an outfit for every weather event. In this case, don't fret, you can still get some of these benefits by just sitting in front of a window. Yep, even on a cloudy day, you will still reap some benefits. So grab a book or your computer and get some of these benefits just sitting inside by the window.
If all else fails, you can invest in a sunlamp. These lamps are highly suggested for anyone struggling in the winter time to help minimize the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Place it near by while you are eating or working and it can give you the same feelings of being outside in the sun.
With all the benefits the great outdoors can bring, it is the perfect excuse to get yourself outside. You may be surprised by the domino effect of positive changes it brings you. If you want more help with prioritizing your self care, or are just really struggling right now to find the motivation, reach out. I can help.
