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cupr.rutgers.edu
research
https://cupr.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Health-Benefits-of-Outdoo…
While the literature on the subject is still emerging, it is clear that outdoor activities can improve cardiovascular health, increase mobility and flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance social connections for those with disabilities. Furthermore, outdoor recreation and nature-based activities can have significant impacts on the mental health and well-being of this population, including reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing overall feelings of well-being. Despite the potential [...] that outdoor activities can have significant physical health benefits for this population, including improved cardiovascular health, increased mobility and flexibility, and reduced risk of secondary health conditions. Section 4 investigates the mental health benefits of access to outdoor recreation and nature for those with disabilities. The research indicates that outdoor activities can positively impact mental health outcomes for this population, including reducing stress, improving mood, and [...] While there is a positive correlation between observed mental health benefits and time spent outdoors and in nature in the general population, there is increasing evidence that individuals with disabilities may gain even greater benefits. People with mobility disabilities, for example, can gain mental health benefits from different kinds of nature contact, ranging from passive to active involvement and rehabilitative interventions. (Zhang et al. 2017) Parks, in particular, may provide an
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sageclinic.org
article
https://sageclinic.org/blog/10-benefits-of-outdoor-recreation-and-how-doing-s…
Outdoor recreation offers numerous benefits, both for your physical well-being and mental health. Here are 10 key advantages of engaging in outdoor activities and how they contribute to improving mental health:
### 1. Reduces Stress
### 2. Improves Mood
### 3. Boosts Self-Esteem
### 4. Encourages Social Interaction
### 5. Improves Sleep
### 6. Enhances Cognitive Function
### 7. Encourages Mindfulness
### 8. Promotes Physical Health
### 9. Provides a Sense of Achievement [...] ### 10. Fosters Connection to Nature
Incorporating outdoor recreation into your routine can play a vital role in enhancing both your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, or simply boost your mood, spending time in nature and staying active outdoors offers a holistic approach to improving mental health.
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medshadow.org
article
https://medshadow.org/integrative-health/other-treatments/outdoor-recreation-…
Visiting parks and participating in recreational activities can improve mood and boost energy. Not only do parks and recreation provide opportunities for physical health, but also they provide mental health benefits. [...] Visiting parks and participating in recreational activities can improve mood and boost energy. Not only do parks and recreation provide opportunities for physical health, but also they provide mental health benefits. [...] If you are still on the fence that nature can be a benefit to your mental health or various mental conditions, it isn’t hard to compare the pros and cons. When it comes to the Great Outdoors, your worst-case scenarios may include “side effects” like being caught in a rainstorm, suffering from seasonal allergies, mosquitos or ants “bugging” you during your enjoyable activities, or sunburns if you aren’t taking necessary precautions.
K
kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org
article
https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/mental-wel…
Improves resilience and confidence: Resilience is what helps us bounce back after tough situations. Outdoor activities can teach kids problem-solving, how to overcome tough moments and help build confidence in their abilities. For example, every time kids try something new like swinging on the monkey bars or climbing a tree, they gain confidence. [...] Improves focus and hyperactivity: Research shows that kids who spend more time outside tend to focus better and feel calmer in school.
Supports social skills: Being outside gives kids an opportunity to play together. Outdoor activities often involve teamwork and cooperation, helping kids learn to get along with and feel more connected to each other. [...] Helps with stress, anxiety and mood: Anxiety is when kids feel nervous or worried, and depression is when they feel sad or have a low mood for a long time. Being outside in nature can help lift their mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Increases physical activity: Physical activity improves overall mental health and reduces stress. When kids move their bodies – like running, climbing or jumping – they feel better, too. Being outside naturally gets kids moving.
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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
official
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8498096
UK there has been considerable investment in nature-based social prescribing to increase use of and access to green spaces, with a focus on targeting communities whose mental health has been disproportionately affected by Covid-19 (HM Government, 2021). Nature-based social prescribing aims to link people with defined health needs to specifically designed, structured and facilitated nature-based interventions delivered in the community. While there is accumulating evidence that exposure to green [...] Comparators: For experimental studies, the comparators included a broad range of controls: attention controls either in outdoor or indoor spaces; non-nature based equivalent activities; or usual care for those studies that recruited participants with identified physical and/or mental health problems from primary or secondary healthcare pathways. [...] Activities that are routinely undertaken as part of occupational roles (e.g. park ranger; nature reserve management; farming) and sport activities undertaken outdoors where nature is not an essential component were not eligible.
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apa.org
article
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
## Key points
Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.
Feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to well-being, regardless of how much time one spends outdoors.
Both green spaces and blue spaces (aquatic environments) produce well-being benefits. More remote and biodiverse spaces may be particularly helpful, though even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes. [...] While such laboratory experiments are intriguing, they don’t fully capture the diverse benefits that go hand in hand with time spent in the outdoor world, says Cynthia Frantz, PhD, a professor of psychology and environmental studies at Oberlin College in Ohio. “Spending time in nature has cognitive benefits, but it also has emotional and existential benefits that go beyond just being able to solve arithmetic problems more quickly,” she notes.
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connectionshs.com
article
https://connectionshs.com/resources/8-outdoor-activities-that-double-as-stres…
As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to take your self-care outside. The benefits of fresh air, sunlight, and movement aren’t just about physical health—they’re also powerful tools for relieving stress and supporting mental well-being. In fact, studies show that spending time in nature can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce anxiety, and even boost self-esteem (American Psychological Association, 2020). Whether you have ten minutes or an entire weekend, these eight outdoor [...] Step outside for a mental reset
You don’t need a long vacation to reset—sometimes all it takes is a few minutes in the sun or a slow walk through the trees. Try one of these activities this week and pay attention to how your mind and body respond. The outdoors is your natural stress reliever—take advantage of it and recharge.
Looking to connect with others on a similar journey? [...] Yoga for Anxiety
Blue Space and Well-being
Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress - PubMed
Want to explore other ways to prioritize your mental health? Check out this blog on building your own self-care toolkit: Building a self-care toolkit: 5 everyday practices to help manage anxiety
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deconstructingstigma.org
article
https://deconstructingstigma.org/guides/nature
Nature has many special gifts that can enhance our mental well-being. Spending time outdoors can make us feel happier and healthier and positively change our neurochemistry.
McLean’s Appleton program offers a gardening group as a therapeutic way to connect with the outdoors. According to Bolton, the initiative is very popular with the program’s patients, including some who are hesitant at first. [...] Because time in the outdoors offers the benefit of mental rest and rejuvenation, it has been shown to improve memory, attention, impulse control, and creativity in the general population. For example, in children, it has led to improved school performance.
It is not surprising that time spent in nature can improve our mental health.
## Keep Reading To Learn
How time in nature promotes mental health
How natural environments change our neurochemistry
Why ecotherapy is gaining traction [...] Several studies on nature and mental health, such as this 2019 paper from an ecosystem service perspective, link experiences in nature to improved mood, positive social interaction, and a sense of meaning and purpose.