It’s normal to have days when you feel down or out of sorts. Sometimes it may be hard to shake those feelings. But did you know that going outside can help improve your mood? Being outdoors can help fight depression, reduce stress levels, and increase happiness. So if you’re feeling a bit blue, try walking in the park or just sitting in your backyard for some much-needed fresh air and sunshine.
At Northpoint Omaha, we offer a depression treatment program that combines evidence-based therapies with holistic practices, like going outside, to help patients manage their symptoms. This unique approach provides an ideal environment for those looking to make major life changes and find balance in their mental health. To learn more about our depression treatment programs, reach out to our team of experts today at 888.687.8014.
How Can Going Outside Help My Mood?
Going outside and getting some sunshine has been proven to have a significant impact on your mental health and mood. Sunshine is one of the only natural sources of Vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient for overall physical and mental well-being. Vitamin D is important for keeping your bones strong, but it also plays an important role in helping to regulate serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, with higher levels leading to improved feelings of happiness and positivity.
Sunlight also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which helps keep you on a consistent schedule of sleeping and waking up at a certain time. Regular exposure to sunlight may also help reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are hormones produced naturally in the brain that help to elevate your mood and boost energy levels. Finally, spending time outdoors in nature has been shown to decrease cortisol levels, which often increase when we’re feeling anxious or stressed out.
Can Being Outdoors Help Fight My Depression?
Spending time outdoors is a proven method to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being exposed to nature has a calming effect on your emotions and can help you relax, revitalize, and reduce stress levels. Getting outside can be especially important if you live in an area where sunlight isn’t very common during certain times of the year.
When the body lacks adequate exposure to sunlight, it is unable to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for balanced mood and mental wellness. Vitamin D deficiency is known to contribute to depression and other mental health issues as well.
How Can Going Outside Help My Mood?
Getting at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight every day first thing in the morning can help to boost serotonin levels, which is vital for managing emotions and regulating mental health. Morning sunlight also helps with increasing healthy energy levels throughout the day as well as ensuring healthy bones, teeth, nerves, hormones, muscles, and the immune system.
During sunset, specifically, there is a significant amount of red light in the air that is known to improve brain health, balance neurotransmitter levels, and lead to a natural process of winding down for the night and getting deeper sleep.
The main benefits of going outside for depression include:
- Increased exposure to natural light, which can help regulate sleep and improve mood
- Improved mood due to endorphin release
- Reduced stress through relaxation of body and mind in nature
- A greater sense of connection with the world around you, which can help reduce feelings of isolation
- Increase in Vitamin D intake from sunlight, helping fight depression symptoms
- Boosts your immune system and mental/physical health
Simply taking time to get outside is clearly a great way to help improve your mood and fight depression.
Improve Your Health at Northpoint Omaha
Going outside regularly for even just a few minutes each day can make a big difference in how you feel mentally and emotionally. With its ability to replenish your Vitamin D levels while providing a positive mental boost, there are many benefits of getting out into the fresh air.
At Northpoint Omaha, we understand the power of nature and its ability to help combat depression. Going outside can be a powerful tool for improving your mood by providing access to natural light, fresh air, exercise options, and stress relief. We believe that spending time outdoors is an important part of any successful depression treatment plan, both in terms of physical health and emotional well-being. If you’re looking for support in managing your depression symptoms or are interested in learning more about our approach to treating mental health conditions here at Northpoint Omaha, please contact us today at 888.687.8014.