The Benefits of Outdoor Workouts for Mental Health

 Why Exercising Outside is Great for Your Mental Health

When people think about working out, they think of gym sessions, yoga classes, or home workouts. Although those indoor options can definitely be effective for fitness, there is something special and intoxicating about getting your workout in outside. A morning run in the middle of a park, a bike ride through a beautiful trail or an outdoor yoga session in your home garden are just a few types of exercises done outdoors, probably, they create an energy that is a different experience. Not only do they offer physical benefits, but they can greatly influence your mental wellbeing as well.

Word of which, mental health is very much on the decline while stress levels are through the roof. You probably don’t know this, but changing up your exercise routine by taking your workouts outside can make a significant difference in your mood, your stress levels and your overall mental state. And the best part? You don’t have to do much to reap these benefits.

In this article, we’ll explore how outdoor workouts can enhance mental health, through scientific studies and case miniatures, and some practical tips. By the end, you’ll appreciate why a workout in the great outdoors can be among the best ways to lift your mind along with your body.

The mental health landscape has changed quite a bit over the past few years. An American Psychological Association survey conducted in 2021 found over 40 percent of Americans said they were under more stress because they were worried about their health, their finances, and what was to come. Stress, anxiety, and depression are on the rise in the modern world, and in a landscape where many of our lives are far less active than we would like, this issue can form a dangerous cycle.

And the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in greater feelings of isolation and loneliness. The over-dependence on technology and social media and lack of physical activity have also increased mental problems resulting in disconnectedness, anxiety, or even depression in many.

Although conventional mental health care, such as therapy and medication, is vital for many, an increasing number of people are finding exercise — and especially outdoor workouts — a powerful tool for enhancing mental health. The issue is that not everyone knows how effective outdoor physical activity is at reducing stress and improving wellbeing. And, as such, they could be missing a natural, fun, and cheap way to feel good.

Difficulties With Being Inside All the Time

Considering that a large number of us are working from home, attending virtual meetings, and also binge-watching TV shows, we spend time indoors a lot. In fact, according to a study from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the average American spends more than 90% of their day indoors. This lifestyle of being stuck indoors can cause a myriad of physical and mental 

problems:

Higher Stress Levels: Staying indoors can raise cortisol levels…and in a high-stress environment like work, the pressure is even worse. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and chronically high levels can cause anxiety, depression and other health issues.

Bad Mood and Low Energy: When you spend too long indoors, you are at risk for lower levels of exposure to natural light, which is crucial for circadian rhythm and serotonin generation (the “happy hormone”). Which can leave us feeling lethargic, irritable, and sad.

Reduced Social Interactions: Spending more time at home leads to reduced social interactions. Social isolation is a major risk factor for mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Physical Inactivity: Working inside often causes reclined lifestyles, resulting in people being physically inactive. Sedentary activity is associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety and stress.

This may appear to be a fairly comforting option, however being indoors can be detrimental to mental health. That’s where outdoor workouts can help. When you take your workout outside, you’re not only changing your body, but also your mental state for the better.

Solution: Workout Outside to Strengthen Your Mental Health

Spending time outdoors for your exercise is particularly good way to interrupt the cycle of anxiety, low mood, and isolation that can foster indoor living. In fact, the advantages of exercising outdoors reach far beyond the physical and deliver a huge boost to your mental wellbeing, too. Here’s how:

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Perhaps, the biggest advantage of outdoor workouts, is the decreased stress and anxiety. Studies have found that exercising outside in nature can last down stress levelsmore effectively than exercising indoors.

In one study in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, people who exercised outdoors in nature said they felt less stressed, anxious and mentally fatigued than those who exercised indoors. Yet another study, this one from the University of Edinburgh, confirms exercising in a natural environment (think parks or beaches) has a stronger and better effect on mental well-being than hitting a gym.

Fresh air, natural scenery and sunlight, all natural elements, are known to lower cortisol levels and raise natural mood boosters such as endorphins in the body. Being outdoors can also be soothing, which lowers general anxiety.

Elevates Mood & Enhances Mental Clarity

Exercise, in particular, is known to enhance moods by increasing the production of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. However, outdoor exercise has benefits that extend beyond the physical element. Spending time outdoors can also aid in your ability to think clearly while alleviating an overall sense of mental fatigue.

According to a study done by the University of Essex in the UK found significant improvements in mood and mental well-being among those who exercised outdoors. Outdoor exercise, whether walking or jogging, for as little as 5 minutes over time showed improvements in mood, self-esteem and cognizance, researchers found.

Specifically, the presence of green spaces has been associated with decreased levels of depression and enhanced emotional well being. Research has proven that time in nature can help clear your mental fog, help you concentrate, and help you think more clearly about personal and work-related projects.

Boosts Energy and Fights Fatigue

If you’ve been tired or drained, exercising outside can help give you that energy lift. Exercising outdoors gives people a dose of instant mood-enhancement, due to increased exposure to sunlight and fresh air. Sunlight is important for so­mato­b­rain, which is a hormone that affects mood, sleep, and energy levels.

Now, exercise outdoors, especially in nature, has been shown to reduce mental fatigue and increase energy, according to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology. People in this study who exercised outside reported feeling more revitalized, less tired and more motivated following their workout.

Helps Combat Depression

Exercise is one of the most effective natural treatments for depression, and the effects are even stronger when you exercise outdoors. Studies in action: Physical activity outdoors reduces depression symptoms by releasing dopamine, serotonin, and other “feel-good” chemicals in the brain.

A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that people who exercised outside were far less likely to develop depression than those who exercised indoors. And, they concluded, the twin benefits of the exercise itself, and the soothing effect of nature, contributed to people feeling better emotionally and mentally.

Encourages Social Interaction

Outdoor workouts can also provide opportunities for social interaction, which is important for mental health. Whether you’re walking or running with a friend, taking an outdoor fitness class or partaking in a community event, outdoors exercise enables connection and conversation — things that can be difficult to keep in stride while indoors.

Socializing has been said to improve mental health by reducing stress, benefiting mood, and creating a sense of belonging and support. Getting out (in a group situation, whether yoga class in the park or hiking club) and being active helps create links that ward off loneliness or isolation.

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Workouts

Beneath, the four of steps to outdoor workouts. Below are a few easy suggestions for taking your fitness routine outdoors.

Go for a Walk or Run: An easy way to enjoy nature while getting your body moving is by walking or running in a park, along a beach, or on a nearby trail.

Try Outdoor Yoga: Find a quiet patch in a park or a corner of your backyard, and do your yoga while you soak up the perks of being outdoors. The mix of stretching and breathing with nature can help you relax and reset mentally.

I also get outside regularly, joining an outdoor fitness class. This is a fun way to get together in a group while exercising and meeting new people.

Ride Your Bike: Riding a bike is a phenomenal way to see your area, getting a little cardio in while you do. From riding on a picturesque trail to just biking around your neighborhood, cycling is a full-body workout that comes packed with nature.

Hiking If you have access to hiking trails, spending time outdoors for a hike can help with stress and improve mental clarity. Plus, it’s a powerful workout for your legs and core.

This Highlights the Strength of Outdoor Workouts for Mental Health

Outdoor workouts Will help you to improve your overall body and mind. The benefits of exercising outdoors are well-documented and include reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, increasing mental clarity, and boosting energy levels. Going outside will help you feel better based on the healing properties of nature.

So, the next time you are scheduling a workout, do it outdoors. If you can walk, run, bike or do yoga, outdoor workouts provide a natural boost that can be good for both your body and mind. Not only will the fresh air and natural landscape help you feel rejuvenated, the exposure to the outdoors will also reenergize you and prepare you to take on whatever life throws at you.

💪 Get out, get moving and let nature work its magic on your mind and body! 💪