Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, and it’s something that we at Ozark Forest Outfitters are passionate about promoting. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, paddling down a river, or simply taking a walk through a park, getting out in nature has the power to improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.
According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, exposure to natural environments can help to reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall mental health (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008). Another study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that spending time in nature can lead to improved cognitive function and increased feelings of vitality (Berman, et al., 2012).
In addition to these benefits, getting out in nature can also help to reduce stress and improve sleep. A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that spending time in green spaces was associated with lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that is linked to stress (Li, et al., 2018). Another study published in the journal Environmental Health found that participants who took walks in nature reported better sleep quality compared to those who took walks in urban environments (Bassuk, et al., 2016).
So, if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, we encourage you to take some time to get out in nature. You don’t have to travel far – a local park or even a backyard can provide the mental health benefits of being in nature. Whether you’re going for a hike, a bike ride, or just enjoying the scenery, we hope that you’ll take some time to connect with the natural world and to reap the mental health benefits that it has to offer.
