You already knew that you were doing your physical health a big favor by biking, walking, hiking, swimming, and running in the great outdoors. However, it turns out that spending time in nature can also do wonders for our mental health as well.
Multiple scientific studies find higher rates of mental illness in urban, industrialized centers compared to lower rates among more isolated ocean, forest, and countryside dwellers. So it turns out there’s actually a scientific reason you feel mentally rejuvenated after getting away from the city grind and spending time camping or secluded in a forested cabin. Here are four scientific-backed theories that prove frolicking in the trees, grasses, flowers, lakes, and fields reduces depression, anxiety, and other common mental disorders:
1. Nature is psychologically therapeutic
Since the early 1800’s, European hospitals and mental asylums that specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder were were built within nature so that patients could benefit from hydrotherapy, or nature therapy. Scientists believed that being immersed in quiet nature (i.e., near water, trees, wildlife, and rolling countryside) held curative powers over mental health and wellbeing. While being swept up in urban city life had negative effects on mental health.
2. Outdoor activity for treating severe mental disorders
A 2013 study conducted by researchers from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, in Berlin, found that physical activity outdoors can help prevent the onset and decrease the severity of several mental disorders (i.e., anxiety disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, sleep disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and even dementia). Scientists found that many patients who suffer from these mental illnesses also have poor physical health (i.e., obesity) and outdoor activity is shown to improve their physical health, mental health, and overall quality of life.
3. Nature is a natural antidepressant
If you exercise regularly you’ve probably noticed the physical and psychological benefits. For instance, after a long bike ride, hike, walk, or swim you may feel calmer and happier. This is because physical activity, in general, triggers the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain relievers and mood elevators). In fact, many doctors in europe actually prescribe outdoor exercise to treat mild to moderate cases of depression. According to The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) getting 45 minutes of physical activity, 3 times per week will significantly decrease depression and boost overall mood.
4. Let the sunshine in…
In addition to physical activity, vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, greatly improves mental wellness. Sunlight exposure triggers the release of serotonin (the body’s natural antidepressant) to improve mood, regulate appetite, and sleep patterns, and lower instances of depressive and suicidal thoughts. Additional research from the Department of Psychology at University of Illinois supports this view, noting that activities performed in natural settings vs. indoor settings significantly decreased ADHD symptoms in children.
