Some stats say that we get an average of seven hours of screen time a day, and that number has been going up. While some of this is necessary and unavoidable, there’s a downside: excessive screen time can lead to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and brain fog. One answer is to get outdoors. Research tells us that doing outdoor activities has all sorts of mental health benefits.
Reap the Benefits of Being Outdoors
Getting outside doesn’t have to mean venturing to the other side of the world. Even spending time in your own garden or visiting the neighborhood park can work wonders for your mental health. Here are some of the benefits, according to science.
1. It Improves Creativity
Science suggests that spending time outside can replenish depleted energy circuits. In one study, hikers were able to solve 47% more puzzles requiring creative thinking, compared to a control group who hadn’t yet hiked. While this doesn’t necessarily prove cause and effect, it does suggest that Mother Nature can restore our brains and creativity, helping us look at things in a new way. Outdoor activities can also boost creativity because, whereas we spend much of the day multitasking, heading outdoors allows us to focus only on the task at hand—whether it’s a brisk walk or a strenuous hike. Silencing daily distractions makes room for creative bursts of energy.
2. Spending Time Outdoors Reduces Stress
Outdoor excursions are some of the best de-stressors. They boost the production of endorphins—neurotransmitters released by our bodies during pleasurable activities. Spending merely 10 minutes in a natural environment can positively impact mental health, which is why nature-based healing approaches have been recommended for those experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. You don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to enjoy the benefits of nature therapy, either. Get out there, move your body, and connect with Mother Nature to boost your mood.
3. It Makes Us Happier
Nature makes us happier, calmer, and more focused. It gives us a relaxing, peaceful experience that instantly defeats negative feelings and eventually leads to mental and emotional healing. Studies show that people who spend even just two hours each week on beaches, in woodlands, parks, and other natural settings have a more positive outlook than those who spend less time with nature. Kayaking is an exercise routine that can improve longevity, self-esteem, and emotional health.
4. Nature Helps Us Foster New Relationships
Individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness struggle with mental deterioration. Fun nature activities can help long-term healthy relationships blossom, making them an amazing way to bond with loved ones and meet new friends with similar interests. Going on solo, self-guided tours allows you to get to know yourself deeper; engaging in outdoor activities with friends in a scenic and natural setting can forge stronger relationships. At Evolution Expeditions, groups of friends both old and new take a guided kayak tour that shows a different side of Las Vegas.
5. Experience Better Cognitive Function
Simply being with nature can boost brain health and psychological well-being. It can also positively impact cognitive abilities, improving work performance and productivity. Green spaces near schools cultivate cognitive development in children, and adults who enjoy nature views near their homes demonstrate improved brain function. Learning new outdoor activities can be stressful, but challenging situations also force us to seek practical solutions to complex problems. Even a short trip can enhance cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Outdoor Activities for Better Mental Health
There are many simple, cost-effective ways to spend quality time with nature. Plan your new nature adventure today to start your journey to psychological wellness. Las Vegas isn’t all bars, nightclubs, and casinos—we also have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Book your guided kayak tour today, get out of the house, and enjoy the boost to your mental and physical health. Evolution Expeditions has tours to both the Hoover Dam and Emerald Cave, plus surrounding areas.
