Improve Your Mood and Reduce Stress: Spend Time Outdoors

Sunlight and outdoor activities can have a positive impact on our mental health.

A study by The National Library of Medicine shows that access to nature can improve mental well-being, overall health, cognitive development in children and lower psychological distress in teens. The study also found that exposure to natural environments can lead to decreased depression and anxiety, and increased memory.

In addition, green space can increase positive interactions with peers and family members, foster a greater sense of community, and provide avenues for physical activities such as walking, running, skateboarding, tennis, pickleball, cycling, fishing, kayaking, wading and swimming. Many Wyoming communities offer public parks, splash pads and pools, fishing areas, tennis courts, walking and running paths and summer day camp activities.

The summer months can be the perfect opportunity for children and teens to try new physical and mental health supporting activities. Spending time in nature can provide elements of discovery, creativity, risk taking, mastery and control, all of which can aid in brain development. Being outdoors while engaged in positive activities may also help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Just an hour per week can have a positive effect

The National Library of Medicine study found that students who are active outdoors for more than 15 minutes at a time, four or more times per week, report a higher quality of life, better overall mood and lower perceived stress.

However, it takes effort to maintain a sense of routine over the summer and not all children and teens enjoy not participating in school, longer days and warmer weather. If you, or a child or teen you know, are becoming less engaged in activities and may need help with mental health issues, Wyoming Behavioral Institute (WBI) offers inpatient and outpatient support.

WBI’s Outpatient and Telehealth Clinic has individual and family teletherapy openings for clients of all ages. Virtual intensive outpatient programming for teens ages 13 to 17 with mental health issues is also available. Call 307-439-2139 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Inpatient and residential admissions start with a no-cost, confidential level of care assessment available 24/7. Call 800-457-9312 or visit wbihelp.com to learn more. Seek help today. There is hope for living well.