Studies have shown that taking time to be outside in nature improves concentration, reduces stress, and reduces the risk of psychiatric disorders. It’s time to take a break. Get outside and breathe in some fresh air!
The natural world is more than just a place for a good walk. It’s the perfect medicine for your mind and body. One of the most natural ways to reduce anxiety is to be outdoors.
If you’re suffering from anxiety, make sure you get outside as often as possible. Take that break, get outside today, and go on a walk in nature!
Keep reading to learn more about how to reduce anxiety naturally by spending time outdoors.
A Lot of Us Have Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone feels anxious at some point in their lives. But, for some people, anxiety can be a problem. It might stop them from doing things they enjoy or make everyday activities difficult.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the United States.
Spending time in nature has been shown to benefit mental health. According to one study, time in nature can reduce rumination (repetitive thinking associated with anxiety and depression) and restore attention.
Another study found that time in nature can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. And a third study showed that spending time in nature can help reduce stress.
There are many different ways to spend time outdoors, such as:
- Walking
- Hiking
- Running
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Gardening
There are many ways to get outside and enjoy nature and the many benefits of spending time outdoors.
What Makes Nature So Relaxing, Anyway?
There can be several reasons why nature relaxes us. We are less likely to be exposed to man-made stressors such as noise pollution, bright lights, and hectic schedules when surrounded by nature.
Instead, we can focus on the beauty and serenity of our natural surroundings, which can help to calm and refresh us.
Another reason nature relaxes us may be that it helps us connect with the wider world around us. It can be easy to feel disconnected from the natural world in today’s fast-paced society.
By spending time in nature, we can feel more connected to the world around us and appreciate the simple things in life.
How Natural Light Affects Us
In addition to spending time outdoors, exposure to natural light is also beneficial for mental health. Natural light exposure can improve mood, reduce fatigue, and increase productivity. Natural light exposure can also help reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Natural light exposure can help improve sleep quality and quantity because it helps keep our natural circadian rhythm in check. Circadian rhythms are our natural sleep-wake cycle, regulated by light exposure. When we’re exposed to natural light during the day, it helps to keep us awake and alert.
Get That Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that our bodies need for many different reasons. One of the most important roles of vitamin D is maintaining healthy bones. But vitamin D also has several other benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of cancer
- Improving mood
- Boosting immunity
- Reducing inflammation
And according to some research, vitamin D might also help reduce anxiety and seasonal affective disorder symptoms.
So how do you get more vitamin D? The best way is to spend time outdoors in natural sunlight. Studies have shown that your body naturally produces more serotonin if you expose yourself to sunlight early in the morning.
When you have anxiety, every drop of that hormone is precious! So get out there and get a little morning sun for a few minutes when you wake up each day.
Take a Walk For Your Mental Health
There’s something about walking that seems to calm the nerves. Maybe it’s the rhythmic motion of putting one foot in front of the other. Perhaps it’s outdoors in nature, surrounded by fresh air and greenery.
Going for a walk can be an effective way to reset your nervous system and bring yourself back to a state of calmness and relaxation.
It might seem counterintuitive to think that something as simple as walking could profoundly affect our nervous system, but there’s a science to back it up.
Walking has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can wreak havoc on our bodies if it stays elevated for too long. Walking also increases
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment and letting go of thoughts about the past or future.
Research has shown that mindfulness can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, such as:
- Focusing on your breath
- Listening to the sounds around you
- Observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment
Mindfulness is simply quieting your mind and focusing your awareness on your senses. Sometimes it is easier to quiet our inner monologue when we get outside in a different environment. We may find it easier to have space to breathe, be with our thoughts, and relax.
How Fresh Air Affects Stress Levels
We all know how good it feels to get outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. And there’s a reason why it feels so good — fresh air can help reduce stress levels.
Being in a forest can lower blood pressure, produce serotonin, and lower anxiety levels.
So the next time you’re feeling stressed, take a nature break! Even a short walk in the park can help to clear your mind and reduce stress levels.
Benefits of Spending Time Outside
There are many benefits of spending time outside, including:
- Reducing stress
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving mood
- Boosting immunity
- Reducing inflammation
And according to some research, spending time outside might also help reduce anxiety symptoms.
How to Reduce Anxiety Naturally
Anxiety is a devious disorder. It can creep up when you least expect it and make everyday tasks seem impossible. But it is important to consider that your anxiety exists to keep you safe. Sometimes it can help to reframe how you think about it and work with it within your life.
Here are a few tips for reducing anxiety:
- Get outside in natural sunlight every day
- Spend time walking in nature
- Practice mindfulness by focusing on your breath or the sounds around you
- Take a break in a park or forest when feeling stressed
Making time for outdoor leisure can naturally reduce anxiety.
How to Reduce Anxiety Naturally: Get Outdoors
Spending time outside is a great way to reduce anxiety. Getting out in nature, feeling the sun on your skin, and breathing in the fresh air can help soothe frazzled nerves and ease anxious thoughts. If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce anxiety, try spending more time outdoors.
If you’re looking for more ways to learn about how to reduce anxiety naturally or if you need a little more help, check out anxiety counseling on our services page.
- Re-parenting and Postpartum Mothers - July 3, 2023
- Parental Postpartum Depression: How New Parents Can Cope with It - September 11, 2022
- The Deep Connection Between Sleep and Anxiety, Explained - September 4, 2022
