Nature's Calm: Spend Time Outdoors and Boost Your Mental Health During the Holidays
The holiday season can be filled with joy, but it can also bring stress and anxiety. With the constant demands of shopping, hosting, and attending various events, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As a result, taking care of mental health often gets pushed to the backburner.
But there’s one simple, accessible remedy that can make all the difference: spending time outdoors. Research consistently shows that reconnecting with nature can help manage stress, improve mood, and offer a peaceful respite from the holiday chaos. Whether you're looking for a moment of calm amidst the madness or a way to boost your energy levels, nature has the power to heal. Let’s explore how getting outside can benefit your mental health this holiday season.
The Stress of the Holiday Season
The holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and togetherness, but for many, they bring stress and pressure. Family obligations, the rush of gift-buying, and the constant juggling of events and tasks can take a toll. For some, the holidays are a reminder of grief, loss, or loneliness, which can lead to depression and anxiety. The holiday season can trigger feelings of being overwhelmed, disconnected, and exhausted, making it harder to enjoy the festivities.
The Healing Power of Nature
Nature has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Studies consistently show that spending time in green spaces lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and reduces anxiety. Whether you’re taking a walk through a local park or hiking in the woods, time in nature promotes relaxation, helps you feel more grounded, and boosts your mood.
Check out some of these studies, such as:
A 2015 study by Bratman et al. published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that walking in nature reduces neural activity in the brain associated with rumination, which is linked to depression and anxiety. The study highlighted the benefits of "green space" in promoting mental well-being.
A 2019 study by White et al. published in Scientific Reports found that exposure to natural environments can have a positive impact on psychological well-being and can reduce the effects of stress. The research also concluded that spending time in natural settings lowers cortisol levels, a key stress hormone.
A 2017 review in the Journal of Environmental Psychology examined the mental health benefits of nature exposure and confirmed that it can help lower anxiety, improve mood, and enhance cognitive functioning.
Being outdoors allows you to disconnect from the distractions and stresses of modern life, giving you a chance to focus on the present moment. This mindfulness can have lasting effects, helping you manage stress, find calm, and feel more balanced.
How Nature Can Help You Recharge This Holiday Season
Even if you don’t have a lot of time, there are many simple ways to reconnect with nature during the holidays. Here are a few ideas for how you can recharge and improve your mental health by spending time outdoors:
Nature’s Benefits for Holiday Mental Health
Spending time outdoors not only relieves stress but also improves your mood and overall mental well-being. Here’s how nature helps:
Making Time for Nature During the Holidays
It can be tough to carve out time for yourself during the holidays, but it’s essential for your mental health. Here are some simple ways to make room for nature:
This holiday season, take the time to care for yourself and your mental well-being. Nature is a powerful tool for managing stress, improving mood, and finding peace. Whether it's stepping outside for a brief moment of calm or planning an outdoor adventure, make time to connect with the natural world.
We encourage you to make outdoor time a priority, and share your favorite nature spots or activities with us! Let’s support each other in finding moments of stillness and calm amidst the holiday hustle.
Our Mission at Take MAR is connecting people with nature as a means to improving physical and mental health.
