Nature and You: The Mental Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

By Jonah Snyder
ACT Outreach Intern

Paddling down the Suwannee River in North Florida, I can feel the sun warming my skin while the wind blows lightly through my hair. Each side is lined with cypress, oak, and maple trees rising high above the water to cradle me and my companions as we slowly float downstream. Splashes are heard from all directions, where I am occasionally able to spot a mullet breaching the surface. Decaying vegetation stains the water deep red, which contrasts against the white sandy banks. Despite it being mere days before my most academically challenging semester at the University of Florida, I am completely at ease. The river brings me peace and relaxation, as it helps me to charge up. I find myself having a cathartic experience leading up to what will be a hectic four months. It is these feelings that have given rise to the notion of nature’s healing properties. 

Understanding the mental benefits of spending time in nature is not a new concept:  Since the 1980s, Japanese doctors have recommended shinrinyoku, which translates to “forest bathing,” a form of preventative medicine that is said to help with anxiety, stress, and depression. More recently, studies have confirmed these beliefs with physical evidence. It has been found that exposure to nature reduces cortisol: a hormone that causes stress, boosts endorphin levels, and increases the production of dopamine, which is responsible for happiness. Alachua Conservation Trust understands the importance of getting outside, and recreation is one of the many reasons we work to preserve thousands of acres of North Florida wilderness.

With the chaos and overstimulation of contemporary life, spending some time outdoors can act as a nurturing balm for our busy brains. If you’re a college student like me, you know that at times, school can feel like a big wave of stress. A spot near campus I like to go to is Rockwood Park, one of ACT’s smaller properties good for sitting and soaking in nature's benefits. For younger students, ACT’s Serenola Preserve sits just across the street from Idylwild Elementary, acting as an easy spot for parents to take nature walks with their children before or after school. In 2019, University of Chicago psychologist Marc Berman, PhD, and his student Kathryn Schertz found that green spaces near schools promote cognitive development in children while simultaneously strengthening self-control. Students are not the only ones who face stress and anxiety. Individuals of all ages can access our many preserves in and around Alachua County. If you are looking to get out on the water, Santa Fe River Preserve is a great option. For a longer hike, Little Orange Creek Preserve has thousands of acres to explore.

It is clear there is evidence that spending time outdoors has various cognitive and psychological effects, but how can you put this into practice? The first step is to note that being outdoorsy is not necessary to receive the benefits of the outdoors. You don't have to go on week-long backpacking trips in the deep wilderness to connect to the benefits of greenspace. A simple walk in the park or window with a view can provide a dose of this natural medicine. One may also consider exercising outside once a week or starting a garden in their backyard or balcony. When doing these activities, the best way to have an impactful experience is to engage all senses and be present. This will allow you to get the most out of whatever you decide to do. Take in the greens and blues with your eyes, smell the freshness of the plants, feel the wind brush past your face, and listen to the cheerful chirps of the birds. Pay close attention to how this new stimulus makes you feel and try your best to soak it in.

Alachua Conservation Trust has many preserves across North Central Florida where one can partake in shinrinyoku and connect to mother nature. Other preserves can be found here. These natural spaces are free, open to the public, and a great place to go for a nice day hike and recharge. ACT hopes to see you in and around the wonderful greenspaces and fresh air of Florida. Comment below how you connect to nature and how it has helped you!