Many people spend time outdoors to feel a boost in their mood. Feeling the fresh air on your face has rejuvenation qualities that can change your perspective and give your attitude a shift. Because of the mood-boosting qualities that nature possesses, you may want to enjoy the outdoors when you are struggling with your mental health. In anxiety counseling in Orlando, we urge our clients to enjoy the outdoors to gain perspective and boost their overall well-being. These are some of the reasons why nature is good for your mental health.
Being in nature can improve your mood by decreasing the negative emotions, like stress and anxiety, that may otherwise take your mind by storm. You can promote more positive thinking by removing all the distractions of the hustle and bustle, which you cannot find out in nature. Instead, you can focus on the path ahead of you or soak in the beautiful view from the top of the mountain. These experiences promote positivity and happiness.
Exercise is another way to boost your mood by releasing endorphins into your brain. These are mood enhancing chemicals that can promote positive thinking and focus. Exercise can relieve stress and anxiety by improving your concentration on what is in front of you. When you are looking for way to change your mood, take a walk through a local park and notice the shift in your perspective.
Stress can cause headaches and fatigue, which can decrease the quality of your day and cause a lack of concentration on work or school. Some studies suggest that spending at least ten minutes outside can cause your stress levels to decrease drastically. It is likely one of the reasons why people tell you to take a walk when things get heated or you become overwhelmed.
Exposure to the sun also provides you with much-need vitamin D. It is suggested that vitamin D can decrease the symptoms of your depression by boosting your mood and alleviating stress. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed with negative thoughts, get outside in the sun to soak in that vitamin D.
When you are having trouble focusing, you should take some time to sit outside or visit a local park or lake. Routine exercising and frequent visits in nature can also promote your concentration and focus on tasks. You may find that a quick break and walk around the block can help to decrease anxious thoughts or help to improve the focus you need to finish a difficult task or overcome writer’s block during a big project.
These are just a few of the many benefits of spending time in nature to improve your mental health. If you are having a difficult day or you are struggling with overwhelming stress or anxiety, consider getting outside to enjoy all these benefits and boost your mood. For more tips to benefit your mental health, contact our experts in anxiety counseling in Orlando today.
Heather Oller is the owner and founder of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling. She is a licensed counselor and a family mediator who has over 23 years of dedicated work as a professional in the mental health field. Through her company's mission, she continues to pave the way for future therapists, and their clients, who want a higher quality of life....and who want to thrive, rather than just survive. You can contact Orlando Thrive Therapy at (407) 592-8997 for more information.