564 - The Mental Health Effects of Going Outside

In this episode, we look at the mental health benefits of getting outside more often.

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What to do if you're having mental health issues

• Try getting outside

Spending time outdoors improves mood by

• Interrupting the negativity loop in the brain
• Sights and sounds of outdoors is soothing “It's not clear exactly why outdoor excursions have such a positive mental effect. Yet, in a 2015 study, researchers compared the brain activity of healthy people after they walked for 90 minutes in either a natural setting or an urban one. They found that those who did a nature walk had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is active during rumination — defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions. “When people are depressed or under high levels of stress, this part of the brain malfunctions, and people experience a continuous loop of negative thoughts," says Dr. Strauss.” - https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature
• Promotes movement and physical health

Ways to get more time outside:

• Schedule 20-30 minutes a few times a week
• Look for nature in local settings – Find trails and parks near by
• Ask a friend along – going with others is just as beneficial

Resources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature