Outdoor activities usually have obvious benefits on our bodies, but it’s also important to realize how good they can be for our mental health. It’s easy to be fooled by the simplicity of most outdoor activities, thinking to yourself that it’s not really going to help you mentally until you actually try for yourself. If you go out to the balcony for some fresh air, you’ll notice a quick change in your mood, for the better. Now, if some fresh air can improve your headspace, it’s not really hard to imagine how actual outdoor activities can play a strong role in improving your mental health. Outdoor activities is an umbrella term for a myriad of activities, it’s important to be able to make the distinction between the ones that can help and others that aren’t so effective. To help you narrow down the list, we’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor activities that are good for your mental health.
How Can Outdoor Activities Affect Mental Health?
Since almost any outdoor activity involves being exposed to the sun, it will lead to an increased production of vitamin D. The skin’s reaction to sunlight is one of the main producers of vitamin D in the human body, protecting it from a myriad of physical and mental diseases. Putting your body in motion is also helpful in destressing you, as opposed to sitting in front of a computer or a television. Combining sunlight with physical activity can seriously boost your mood, which is the product of replacing inactive pursuits with more energetic ones.
Water Sports
Water sports is a broad term for any activities that are carried out in the water, such as kayaking, swimming, water polo, and many others. The common denominator between all these different water sports is the ability of water to reduce stress and fight depression in its own way. Depending on the water sport you choose, try to look up more valuable info online on the equipment and preparations you need. The difficulty of each water sport is different, so try picking something that aligns well with the amount of physical effort you’re comfortable with.
Hiking
Considered the least expensive, practically free, of all outdoor activities, hiking is a pretty efficient and affordable way to get out of any negative headspace you may find yourself in. The simplicity is one of the perks that make it a mind-clearing activity since you won’t need to plan anything. All you have to do is pack a little bag with some clothes, shoes, water, and snacks before heading to the nearest hiking spot. If you have a dog, going for a hike with your pet can also be fun and relaxing. Depending on where you live, there might be a number of trails to hit with your dog and make the most of the outdoors.
While the physical exercise you get out of this activity is quite rewarding in its own way, the mental effects like stress relief and relaxation make it one of the greatest outdoor activities for mental health.
Cycling
We all know how cycling is beneficial from a physical perspective, as it works most of the muscles in the body and burns a lot of calories. But what many may not know is that cycling has a mind-clearing effect that makes it a pretty alluring outdoor activity to those who suffer from mental problems like depression or anxiety. Cycling can be done in either a group or individually, depending on what makes you more comfortable since you’ll be doing this mainly for your mental health and not just as physical exercise. Just like hiking, cycling can be done from anywhere, as long as you have a bicycle or rent one. Those who want to enjoy the ride without exerting a lot of physical effort can opt for electric bikes, which can even make the positive effects on your mental health more pronounced.
Outdoor Yoga
Yoga is a combination of physical exercise and meditation, which makes it the perfect activity that can be done both indoors and outdoors. But the calming effect of yoga and meditation is often amplified by unifying with nature. The benefits of meditating in nature include increased mindfulness, patience, and awareness of surroundings, making it an exponentially better meditation experience. If you’re interested in socializing and visiting new places with other fellow yoga lovers, you can head to any yoga festival happening near you to bask in the mind-warming energy. There are different forms of yoga, so it shouldn’t be very hard to find one that you enjoy the most.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of outdoor activities that can suit the taste of anyone looking to improve their mental health and heal. It will all boil down to your own personal preferences when you’re researching the activities you can do. Whatever the activity is, as long as you follow the safety guidelines, you should expect your mental health to drastically improve.
