Can Spending Time Outside Change Your Brain?

An easy way to boost your mood this fall is to simply get outside or even better get outside and move!

How much time do you spend outside every day? There are several mental health benefits associated with being outside in nature such as lower risk of depression and anxiety, increase in motivation, and faster psychological and physiological stress recovery. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, studies have shown that being in nature can restore and strengthen our mental capacities, increase focus and attention, and make us healthier overall. Fresh air can help raise oxygen levels in your brain, which increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that alters your mood and is responsible for feelings such as being happy and content. Research suggests that exposure to sunlight impacts your body's serotonin levels as well. Being out in the sun exposes you to sunlight, which your skin uses to make vitamin D. Vitamin D can help improve your mental health, and immune system, and lower your risk of developing diseases. Sunlight also helps us establish a healthy circadian rhythm which improves our quality of rest at night (and we all know how important sleep is)! When you spend time outside during the day, the exposure to sunlight regulates your internal clock and allows you to sleep longer and better which will also improve your mood overall. 

When we add movement to being outside such as walking, running, paddle boarding, biking, etc we get an even larger boost of serotonin. Being outside in nature typically encourages physical activity. Physical activity causes your brain to release 'feel good' chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that help improve and boost your mood.The best news is you don’t have to run a marathon to enjoy the benefits of exercise in nature. Any activity that gets you moving in a way that’s doable for you, like walking, gardening, doing yard work, playing with your dog, or taking your children to the park can offer a wide variety of health benefits. As little as 10 minutes of exercise outside can help improve your overall mental health. 

An easy way to boost your mood this fall is to simply get outside or even better get outside and move! Challenge yourself this month to get outside every day. Try something new like gardening, river rafting, or yoga outside, and see how you like it.