Why Getting Outside Can Improve Your Mood
Do you ever feel more down and lethargic during the winter months when you're spending most of your time indoors? This condition is known as seasonal depression and it may affect some people more than others, especially those who already suffer from other mental disorders. The reduced amount of sunlight, coupled with spending more time indoors, can make existing mental conditions worse. Symptoms of seasonal depression include increased feelings of depression during specific times of the year.
I know that for me, during the winter months, when I am inside more often, I can feel higher anxiety and depression levels. I never realize that it is getting worse until it gets warmer and I go outside more often, then my anxiety and depression decrease. Since I live in Colorado and it is cold and snow often, I stay inside more during the winter.
Every year I realize that once it starts getting warmer, my mood shifts, and there are significant differences when I spend more time outdoors. I forget how much I love being outside and the benefits that it provides for my mood. Then when it comes back into fall and begins getting colder, I always plan to take the dog for more walks and run when there isn’t snow on the ground. But I never do because I hate being cold, then spring starts to warm things up, and my mood shifts completely. I know I’m not alone with that thought process.
Disclaimer, I am not a professional, so please see a professional if you’re concerned with your negative feelings. This is just an informational post about the benefits of spending time outdoors and improving symptoms of seasonal depression.
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Oftentimes, a doctor can prescribe various treatments for seasonal depression similar to other mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. Other forms of treatment involving seasonal depression include spending time outdoors and checking for vitamin D deficiency. By getting outside in the sunshine, the body will synthesize vitamin D. During the winter months, when it's cold and snowy in many places, it is widespread for most people to remain indoors more often than they would stay inside. As I am not a medical professional, all I can speak about is my experience with the benefits of spending time outdoors to improve overall mood.
As I stated above, as the months get colder and fall and winter begin to set in, I always plan to get outside more than I usually do during the colder months. I plan to make sure Lyla, my dog, gets longer walks each day or runs for a couple of miles a few days a week. These are wonderful plans, but I never follow through with these plans as the colder weather sets in. Then as time goes on, I can slowly notice the anxiety and depression worsen. Then by the time spring rolls around, I realize once again just how much outside improving my mood.
According to an article on Harvard Medical School, it is unclear how being outside can improve moods. Something about being in nature and hearing all of the sounds automatically helps improve mood. It allows for a calming effect that can help reduce the production of stress hormones. Harvard Medical School provides tips, such as listening to a white noise machine with nature sounds and utilizing sunlight simulating light.
During the warmer months, I definitely feel this. I love doing outdoor activities such as backpacking, hiking, and running. I love being outdoors, but I hate being cold. Because of this, I tend to stay indoors much more often than I do during the summer. I take Lyla outside just long enough for her to do her business and then back inside. I know it would benefit us both to spend time outside during the winter.
Here are some of the tips that work for me in combatting any negative thoughts brought on by seasonal depression. My biggest stress reliever is working out. By maintaining a regular exercise schedule, I tend to better hold on to my anxiety and seasonal depression. This is my biggest tip. It may seem basic, but it really works so well for me. Please read my blog post about how Exercise can relieve stress for more information on the benefits exercise has on mental health.
While I don’t get outside as much as I’d like to during the winter, simply having a consistent workout routine helps my mental health significantly. If you’re still wanting some time outside, just go for a walk. Even spending time going for a daily 10-minute walk can be beneficial to improve your mood during the colder months.
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