Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

It’s no secret that most men like outdoor activities, whether it’s playing a pickup game of basketball at the park, biking, fishing, or actually, most anything else. While most of us do it for pure enjoyment or to get into better physical shape there are also outstanding mental health benefits of being outside.

Yet, even though we like doing stuff outside and we spend more time outside than women, 29.1% of men still spend 30 minutes or less outside each day. The good news is that’s enough for some of the benefits, but we could all use some extra time outside to get away from our fast-paced jobs, connect with nature, and, most importantly, have fun.

Read on to learn about the connection between mental health and the outdoors including the many benefits of being outside in nature supported by clinical research. Additionally, here are some of the best outdoor activities for your overall well-being as a man.

Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Men were made to be outside, hunting, gathering, farming, and living, so it makes sense that being outdoors would be better for our mental well-being than being inside for hours each day. 

Unfortunately, those of us with office jobs are stuck inside more than we should be, but maybe some of these benefits will encourage you to get outside more often to experience improved mood, reduced depression, better sleep, more motivation, and lessened stress.

Improve Mood

A study from 2019 found that spending just 2 hours in nature each week, whether all at once or spread out over several days, can significantly boost our sense of well-being. While vegetation and greenery can enhance this effect when added to urban areas, just being outdoors can improve mood and put a smile on our faces.

Not only that, but spending time outside can also help us combat strong, negative, and unwelcome emotions like fear, worry, and grief. This can contribute to a feeling of optimism and confidence that improves our productivity, fatherhood, and overall outlook on life.

Reduce Depression and Fatigue

Going outside more often can help to relieve depression symptoms and help conquer fatigue. This is particularly true because of the restorative properties of sunlight, which means daytime activities like swimming and other sports are great for giving yourself an energetic boost.

Even if you have to work inside during the day, it can be beneficial to just open a window and allow sunlight to provide essential Vitamin D, restore your energy levels, and help fight against the stress that comes with being a man.

Promote Restful Sleep

Men have a different circadian rhythm than women, and this typically makes us more alert at night. This difference plus the impact of stress may be one of the reasons why men aren't getting enough sleep. The good news is that it's been shown that getting sunlight throughout the day can help us maintain a healthier circadian rhythm. This is especially true if you’re doing some form of exercise outdoors as well.

The result could be more restful sleep and finally waking up rejuvenated instead of feeling like you need a coffee IV. In turn, better sleep can help us be more focused and productive, which means we can be better leaders, fathers, and men all around.

Amplify Motivation to Exercise

By walking, running, or working out in nature, you can boost your motivation to keep exercising. Being outdoors is typically more enjoyable than being in a gym or garage and also makes it easier for us to socialize. In fact, some research also shows that physical activity can seem easier outside than it does inside.

Since exercise itself boosts mood and adds to the benefits of going outside everyday, this can help you rejuvenate your well-being with endorphins, serotonin, and other mood-boosting neurotransmitters.

Reduce Stress

One of the fundamental components of "nature therapy" is that being outside in nature helps to lower stress levels. Research shows that nature lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, and even decreases our heart rate.

Add that to the Vitamin D and energy-boosting impact of sunlight, the motivation to exercise more, and the mood-elevating benefits of the outdoors, and you'll quickly fight the stress that’s been holding you back!

Best Outdoor Activities to Boost Your Mental Health as a Man

If you’ve found yourself staying inside too much, not getting enough sunlight, or simply wanting to spend more time outside, check out these activities that can boost your mental health while encouraging you to get outside more often!

Walking and Hiking

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. Sure, you won’t build huge muscles walking or hiking, but you will get some good exercise while also calming your mind. Try taking a walk each morning to get yourself going and ready for the day or take walks at lunch or in the evening before bed to help yourself relax for the night!

Competitive Sports

Men love sports, which is great news when it comes to our mental health and the outdoors. Whether you play basketball, tennis, football, cycling, or any other competitive sports, it’s a great way to get outside as well as improve self-esteem.

Just make sure it’s healthy competition even if you want to beat your friend 50-0 at basketball just to show him who’s boss! Plus, sports are often more enjoyable than intense workouts, which allows you to exercise more without feeling sore or exhausted.

Camping and Fishing

Camping and fishing are wonderful and allow you to get back to nature, which is why they are some of the best activities for getting outdoors. Going on a fishing or camping trip helps you experience nature while also making it easier to disconnect from emails and social media. In fact, Men’s Health recommends 5 hours a month in semi-wild nature and 3 days a year off the grid on camping trips.

Swimming

Swimming is fantastic. Not only does it allow you to get great exercise with reduced risk of injury, but the feeling of the cool water and the warm sunlight can help to release dopamine and endorphins that reduce stress and boost mood. Whether you swim at a pool, in a lake, or at the ocean, it’s a great way to relieve stress with the mental health benefits of being outside.

Anything You Enjoy

When it comes down to it, it doesn’t really matter what you do outside just as long as you get outside. While getting exercise, competing, and rejuvenating the soul are all additional benefits, it’s best to pick something that you truly enjoy, whether it’s gardening, woodwork, running, or anything else that gets you outside.

Time to Go Outside!

Now that we've confirmed the connection between mental health and the outdoors, it’s time to act on it. Get outside, invite your friends for a BBQ, take a walk, teach your kids to play basketball, and start boosting your well-being with more time outside. Your mind will thank you and so will your future self.

What are your favorite outdoor activities? What motivates you to get up and go outside?