Let’s Get Outside
When we’re constantly indoors, boxed in by four walls, it can begin to feel like life is just work, routine, and being inside. Our world quietly shrinks without us even realising it.
Let’s instantly compare this to being outside. The moment we step out into the fresh, non-stagnant air, our minds feel different – There are no walls surrounding us, the view is as far as the eye can see, and that smell of fresh air is simply brain tingling.
It’s not only the beautiful view (in comparison to indoors) which makes us feel better, but it’s the opening of many possibilities.
So no, it’s definitely not psychological.
The body’s main stress hormone is cortisol. It travels through the bloodstream and helps control how we respond to stress. When we’re in stressful situations, cortisol levels rise to prepare the body to react.
When we visually connect with trees, water, natural landscapes and everything else in-between, the body relaxes.
Our delicate minds and souls, in this modern world, require constant attention – screens, people, awareness, employments, families – the list seems endless.
Natural environments help us to rest and recover from ‘attention fatigue’ because when we are in said environments, nothing is ever urgent, nothing needs us to react that quickly and create unnecessary stress.
The outdoors are pertinent to going towards improving mental health – This exposure to natural light boosts our serotonin – a chemical linked to mood and well being.
This is why some people struggle in the winter and darker months, there is less natural light and body reacts adversely.
When we step outside, in the big wide world, human instincts are to explore further, so it encourages us to move, much more. Being confined within four walls can limit our ability to see just how much more life has to offer.
Natural spaces help us separate and distance ourselves from worries, stress and pressure, so the further we explore, the further we are from them, creating tranquility in our minds.
Being in larger landscapes will create feelings of calm and peace, again, because of the distance element.
Unless you live alone, and rarely interact with people, being outdoors will increase your chances of social interaction and connection 10-fold.
Social connection is considered to be one of the best factors when we look at improving our mental health – Think about this – Did cavemen and cavewomen spend most of their time inside, being reclusive and disconnected from the outside world? You know the answer to this question.
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