Whenever I feel stressed, stepping outside and feeling the sunlight on my skin or the breeze through my hair helps me relax. Throughout my life, there have been times when I have struggled with my emotional well-being. Whether I am taking a walk or laying on the grass with friends, one source of comfort I can always turn to is nature.
In a society highly focused on productivity, many people struggle with anxiety and depression. We are constantly inside, staring at screens, which is known to increase mental health challenges. Whether we are using our computers for school or work, checking text messages, or watching a show while eating lunch, our eyes are fixated on devices for hours every day. Some may say they don’t have a lot of free time to spend outside. One way to combat that problem is to spend your work or study breaks by going on short walks outdoors. When I am busy, even this quick walk helps me feel reenergized, providing me with the drive I need to have a successful day.
Research supports this connection between nature and mental health. In an article, Bratman and colleagues point out as society moves increasingly indoors, we are disconnecting from nature, which negatively affects our well-being. The authors bring up the attention restoration theory, which explains how nature recharges our ability to focus. Being outside can also improve sleep quality, which is a key aspect of being able to focus during the day. Maintaining restorative sleep helps prevent burnout, which is a common problem many face in our world. Being outdoors also enables social interaction and healthy habits because it creates opportunities to connect with others and stay physically active. Physical and mental health are deeply intertwined; when we move our bodies and get sunlight, we often feel more energized and tend to perform better in our daily responsibilities.
In today’s fast-paced world, it is beneficial to slow down and appreciate the natural world around you. Spending time in the open air gives one the opportunity to reset and it allows the brain to disengage from the stressful responsibilities it must tend to every day. The relationship between time outside and mental health is a powerful reminder that everyone thrives when they reconnect with the outdoors. Humans, like plants, need sunlight to flourish and bloom. Whether you are taking a mental health walk, playing a friendly game of soccer, or reading your favorite book on a bench, spending time outside is beneficial for everyone. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to step outside. Even just a few quiet minutes in the fresh air can positively affect your mental well-being.
—Charlotte Scalzi, originally from Virginia Beach, is a junior at Belmont University majoring in psychology with a minor in music who aspires to become a mental health therapist and enjoys singing, painting, and spending time with friends.
Works Cited: Bratman, Gregory N., et al. “The Impacts of Nature Experience on Human Cognitive Function and Mental Health.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1249, Feb. 2012, pp. 118–36. EBSCOhost, doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x.
