Get Outside - Science Says it’s Good for You

Spending time outside is scientifically proven to benefit both you're mental and physical health - take advantage of this natural medicine

Some days just feel better than others—the ones where I trade honking horns for birdsong, sidewalks for soft earth, and crowds for towering trees. Those are the days that hit the reset button on my soul. And the best part? The benefits don’t fade when I step back inside. I swear, after a day in the woods, I carry a little extra calm and clarity with me for days.

For a while, I thought this was just my own experience, a little personal truth I held onto. But it turns out, science is on my side—spending time outdoors isn’t just a fleeting mood boost. It actually has lasting effects on our minds and bodies, long after we’ve left the trail. So, let’s dig into why nature is basically the best therapist we never knew we needed.

Stress shows up differently for everyone. A little bit can be helpful—it pushes us to meet deadlines, stay organized, and keep life moving. But when it piles up and sticks around too long, it can wreak havoc on both mind and body. Headaches, anxiety, digestive issues, sleepless nights—you name it, chronic stress has a way of making everything worse.

I know this firsthand. I have Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that tends to flare up when my stress levels spike. For the longest time, I didn’t make the connection between my relentless schedule and my worsening symptoms. I was just powering through, like so many of us do.

But here’s what surprised me: as someone who already loves spending time outdoors, I never realized just how much it could help my condition. Some days, even getting out of bed feels impossible. But when I do manage to step outside—whether it’s a short walk or just sitting in the quiet—I notice a shift. Nature gives my mind something else to focus on, a break from the cycle of stress and symptoms. And somehow, in that space, my body follows suit. The weight eases, even if just a little, and I remember why I fight so hard to get back out there.

But you don’t have to go to the middle of the woods to achieve the same benefits. A 2021 study, for example, found that shorter sessions from 20 minutes to an hour and a half were most beneficial for mental health, with activities like gardening, nature-based therapy, and exercise in green spaces being the most effective for adults. Simply getting outside and being moderately active can make you more resilient to the daily stressors that you face.

I’ll be honest—I don’t spend much time in cities. And for the longest time, I didn’t think much of those little green spaces tucked between skyscrapers and sidewalks. They just seemed like decoration, a splash of nature in an otherwise concrete world. What difference could a tiny patch of grass and a few trees really make?

Turns out, a lot.

Urban green spaces aren’t just there to look nice—they’re lifelines. They offer a place for people to step away from the daily grind, even if it’s just for a quick lunch break or a few deep breaths between meetings. They’re investments in community well-being, giving city dwellers a much-needed dose of nature in the middle of all the hustle. And when you think about it, that’s pretty powerful.

At the end of the day, no matter how packed your schedule is or where you call home, don’t underestimate the power of stepping outside. It doesn’t take much—just a few minutes here and there—but it’s worth making a priority, just like eating well or staying active. Science backs it up: time in nature isn’t just a luxury, it’s a legit health boost. So whether it’s a walk through the park, a moment on your porch, or a weekend escape into the wild, take the time. Your mind and body will thank you.

Sources:

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/