If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. There are so many people at any given time who are struggling, and we’re sorry to say that it’s a lot more common than you may think. But, it’s still not something that is widely talked about so it’s no surprise that many who are struggling think that they are doing so alone, and that there is no help available for them. That’s not true at all, there is always help if you are willing to ask for it.
For those people who want to try some things on their own before they speak to a professional, that’s absolutely fine. As long as you are still okay, it doesn’t matter if this is how you choose to handle it for now. In fact, we actively encourage you to do so as that’s the entire point of this article. Down below, we’re going to be talking about how getting outside can help your mental health, and some of the things that we think you should do.
Peaceful Hiking Adventures
The first thing that we’re going to say is that you can head out on peaceful hiking adventures on your own or with someone that you enjoy spending time with. Ensure that during this time you are not heading out with people that you don’t really like or people that you struggle to be around for an extended period because hikes can take a pretty long time. You need to be comfortable so that you can really appreciate the peace of a hike, so that’s something to keep in mind.
In order to get started with hiking, you just need to do your research into the different places around you, or within a reasonable travel distance for hiking. If there aren’t many, you’ve just got to make the most of what there is. You can also travel around to experience different hiking trails if you want.
You should make sure that you have a good quality pair of hiking boots for this, and who knows? You might fall in love with the activity and find that it soothes something inside your mind thanks to the peace.
Getting Out Of Your Head
Getting out of your head and into your body is another great reason why getting outside can help with mental health. As you know, mental health is a struggle within your own head, and sometimes you just need to get out of there to be able to feel a little bit better. At least then when you do come back to yourself entirely, you are more relaxed and hopefully it will be a little easier to deal with.
What we mean when we say getting out of your head and getting into your body is that when you are outside completing physical activity, you can feel that. It’s a different feeling to what you normally experience with your body just by sitting down or walking around your home. You can feel the air on your skin, if you’re running you will feel the burn in your legs and so much more. The point here is that this is often enough to bring you out of your head for a while as you focus on the physical feelings you are experiencing, and this helps a lot of people muddle through.
Take To The Open Road
If you are someone who loves to drive, then potentially taking to the open road is a fantastic choice for you. Of course, it’s something that we’re sure you have thought about in the past, but that doesn’t mean that you’ve really experienced it the way that you should have. Road trips can be super therapeutic at the best of times, but when you are really stuck inside your own head then they can be even better. Plan for as many stops as you want along the way so that you can do multiple activities, and ensure that you are outside regularly. Being in new places can give you a sense of peace, so it’s something to think about.
In order to make this experience a little more personal for you, you can make your car as comfortable and as you as possible. For example you can look into getting private number plates for your vehicle so that you can recognize your car even in a sea of cars that are exactly like yours. You can also put your favorite smells in the car, making it a comfort even when you are in the car rather than actually outside.
Finding New Things To Make You Happy
You never know what you are going to discover when you head outside at any given time. You never know who you are going to meet, or the new things that you are going to try, and that alone should be enough incentive to get out there. There is a whole world out there of things that may make you happy, and you have to be willing to get out there and find them.
We understand that this is super tough for you and that it’s not something you’re going to really want to do, but getting outside and actually being present in life is going to help massively with how you feel. For example, you might find a new hobby that you adore simply by wandering around and stumbling across a class that is being offered. Or, maybe you’re going to meet someone who becomes an important person in your life by a chance encounter of fate. You never know, but the endless possibilities of all the positive things that could happen should entice you to get out there, smell the fresh air, and give the world a chance.
A New Connection With Nature
The final thing that we’re going to mention here is that forming a new connection with nature can help you with your mental health also. As humans, we are genetically wired to feel happier when we are outside, and when we are at one with the Earth. The more of a connection that you can make with the world, the better you are going to feel. We’re not saying that you have to move outside and start living in a tent or anything but just that you should start going outside more. Even if this just means sitting outside in your garden and feeling the benefits of being outside like the wind on your face and the feel of the Earth beneath your fingers.
It doesn’t always work for everyone right away, and we’re not saying that it’s some magical cure for mental health issues, but it can help and that’s what is important, right?
Hopefully, you have found this article helpful, and now see how you can get outside in order to help your mental health. We understand that it’s hard to make that first step, to get outside and be at one with nature rather than hiding in the comfort of your own home, but it’s super beneficial if you can. You know what they always say, the first step is always going to be the hardest, and we promise you that once you’ve taken it you will at least start to feel better. It’s not going to be instant, but your mental health journey is just that – a journey. It’s not a race, and you don’t need to rush through. We hope that getting out helps, and that you fall in love with the feeling you get sooner rather than later.