Outside activities provide your body with fresh air and sunlight, and can even boost your self esteem, according to Fox News. Just five minutes of outdoor activity can elevate your mood and boost your overall mental health. To achieve the mental health perks of green activities, all natural environments will do--parks in towns or cities, lakes, rivers, hiking trails or the ocean. Choose an activity that holds your interest and keeps you motivated by your outdoor surroundings.
Gardening
Gardening connects you to nature, is a physical activity and can raise your self-esteem, according to the February 2009 issue of "Science Daily." Gardening is a nurturing activity that requires concentration, patience, creativity and thought and provides your body with physical exercise. Planting a garden can relieve stress and planting fresh fruits and vegetables encourages healthier eating habits, notes the University of Illinois. Begin with a small gardening goal, such as one or two potted plants. When you feel confident and are ready for a bigger challenge try planting two or three different fruits or vegetables. Check with your local nursery or home center for the types of plants that are appropriate for your area and the time of year.
Take a Hike
Hiking is an effective cardiovascular activity that releases endorphins and burns cortisol, which makes you feel happy, according to Fox News. Hiking connects you to nature and exposes you to fresh air, plants, birds and wildlife, which can make you feel better, even a short 15-minute hike. Always choose trails that are marked for hiking, wear supportive hiking boots, wear sunscreen and hike with a friend or let someone know where you will be and when you plan on returning. If you will be hiking longer than two hours, take a water bottle and a snack.
Workout Outdoors
Turn your regular gym routine into an outdoor workout by swapping nature for gym machines. Instead of doing a treadmill incline workout in the gym, opt for a hill walk with lunges. Walking outside increases your exposure to the sun, which increases your body's production of vitamin D, which can improve your mood, according to FitnessMagazine.com. When using hills, keep your torso in proper alignment by pulling your belly button in towards your back, roll through your heel when stepping forward and keep your shoulders down away from your ears.
References
- FoxNews.com: Health; Mental Health; Five Minutes of 'Green Activity' Boosts Self Esteem
- FitnessMagazine.com: Are You Nature Deprived? Why Getting Outside Can Make You Happy
- ScienceDaily.com: Gardening Gives Older Adults Benefits Like Hand Strength And Self Esteem; February 2009
- University of Illinois: Health Benefits of Gardening; Sandra Mason; January 2005
- FoxNews.com: Best Benefit of Exercise? Happiness
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