Do you know the advantage of simply spending time in natural surroundings? The healing benefits of being outdoors are limitless.

Who isn’t searching for sounds of silent peace in the chaos of the world? From busy grocery stores to crowded pick-up lines, or abnormally loud places like the children’s library – there is a lot of unavoidable commotion in motherhood. If you pile on moments of anxiety, ill-founded fear, or postpartum depression, it’s no wonder when a parents’ mental health starts to suffer. 

The Healing Benefits of Being Outdoors

As a Mom of three girls, I am constantly seeking ways to heal my mental health after cacophonous or difficult periods of life. It’s unbeknownst to me who first suggested I seek solace in nature, but the healing benefits of stepping outdoors has been life changing. My most recent restorative experience occurred during an extended period of time in nature while hiking the Appalachian Trail with Walker Holmes, the Vice President and Connecticut State Director of Trust for Public Land.

Surprisingly enough, this was my first real hike as the thought of submerging myself in the actual woods for more than an hour always seemed intimidating. But after accompanying seasoned hiker Walker Holmes on a four-mile trek, I realize there is nothing scary about hiking – no less hiking part of America’s most significant trails. As long as you are prepared with the proper footwear and clothing, snacks and water, it’s quite easy to follow a trail marked by skilled hikers.  

My time and conversation with Walker gave me a firsthand experience of the actual healing benefits of hiking in nature. Do you know how hard it is to find solace after a particularly loud morning preparing three children for the day? Look no further than the outdoors. It’s no wonder that the sounds of nature are often an option on meditation playlists. Birds softly singing, crickets chirping, the rustle of leaves as the wind blows or the trickle of moving water – these natural sounds are soothing to the mind, body and soul. 

Hiking in Nature for Your Mental Health

While Walker and I explored the Appalachian Trail in Northwestern Connecticut, we discussed a variety of topics. From the pressures of motherhood to our shared past as dancers to the incredible beauty always waiting to be discovered in the forest – our conversation only quieted when we paused to admire a unique plant or spectacular view. In all of my life I have never experienced such a pleasantly therapeutic four mile walk in the middle of nowhere.  

Over the last three years I’ve been learning to find solace in the outdoors. Most of my moments in nature occur with my children, but when I find the chance I enjoy being alone in the fresh air. However, the time I spend out-of-doors is usually in my yard or walking around the neighborhood. Going to a park or green space alone felt uncomfortable (as do most new experiences). Up until now, I did not consider the benefits of moving outside of my comfort zone and into the world.

What I love about the Trust for Public Land is they are focused on connecting everyone, regardless of where they live, to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. Their mission goes beyond exploring epic trails like the one Walker and I explored. TPL recognizes that there are millions of people, including 28 million children, who do not have a park within a 10-minute walk from their home. That’s why TPL is actively working to create parks and green spaces in communities that need them the most. By doing so, they are not only improving access to nature but also promoting healthier and happier lives for individuals and families. 

How can nature heal you?

There are countless studies citing the connections between nature and mental health. Most recently, scholars are finding a correlation between loneliness and the outdoors. Here are some other ways nature can heal you:

Nature takes you away from stressors. There is an often missed opportunity for stress relief in nature, especially if you are removing yourself from the things that cause you stress in the first place. 

Exposure to nature has a direct effect on your physical wellbeing. It can lower your blood pressure, cortisol levels, and heart rate while increasing your Vitamin D levels (source).

Spending time outside in parks and green spaces is linked to decreasing anxiety and a lower risk of depression.  

Hiking naturally boosts endorphins, which makes you feel happy. Fresh air can raise the oxygen levels in your brain, which increases serotonin levels. Who doesn’t want to feel happy? (source)

Start Your Self Care Outdoors

Spending time outside can be a great place to start when it comes to self-care. A bonus is hiking while you’re outdoors – movement brings your mind and body joy! One very important note though: You don’t have to go somewhere far from home, like the Appalachian Trail. There is so much to see in the world once you step outside your door, even if you are merely strolling through your neighborhood or a park. 

There is a place for everyone outside – especially since the Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects public land where they are needed most. The TPL mission is to give everyone access to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. Wondering where and how you can connect to the outdoors no matter where you live? Head to the Trust for Public Land to look up your state. 

I think many of my fellow Moms will agree with the following statement: Motherhood has never been quiet or easy. While we are all seeking moments to recharge our mental health batteries – why not set aside time for yourself in nature?