Nature improving one's mental health isn't just speculation, though. One study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that spending time in nature can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol¹. When cortisol levels get out of control, it can disrupt almost all of your bolidy processes, resulting in symptoms that range from elevated anxiety to high blood pressure and cardiac events. This study showed that those who spent time in nature had lower cortisol levels than those who did not.

"Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes. This complex natural alarm system also communicates with the brain regions that control mood, motivation, and fear."

Mayo Clinic

Another study published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that spending time in nature can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression². The study found that participants who spent time in a natural setting had lower scores on a depression symptom scale compared to those who did not spend time in nature.

In addition to reducing stress and improving mood, spending time in nature can also promote overall well-being. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that spending time in nature can improve cognitive function and promote feelings of vitality³. Participants who spent time in a natural setting had improved performance on cognitive tests and reported higher levels of vitality compared to those who did not.

How Does Nature Help?

There are a few different mechanisms by which experiencing nature can benefit mental health. One theory is that spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and improve mood by providing a break from the demands and distractions of everyday life. Nature can also provide a sense of awe and wonder, which can promote feelings of well-being and happiness. This is the whole idea behind our Valhalla Hikes.

Another potential mechanism is that spending time in nature can help to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. Studies have shown that stress can have negative effects on the immune system and can lead to inflammation, which can contribute to a number of mental and physical health problems. By reducing stress, spending time in nature may help to reduce these negative effects and promote overall health and well-being - especially if doing something active like hiking.

Overall, the evidence shows that spending time in nature can benefit mental health in a number of ways. By providing a break from the demands and distractions of everyday life, promoting feelings of awe and wonder, and reducing the negative effects of stress on the body, spending time in nature can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. We encourage you to get outside, whether it's hiking, fishing (my favorite), surfing (Danny's favorite), or something else, just get outside and do something. You'll be glad you did!

1.  Can Natural and Virtual Environments Be Used To Promote Improved Human Health and Wellbeing? M. H. Depledge, R. J. Stone, and W. J. Bird. Environmental Science & Technology 2011 45 (11), 4660-4665
DOI: 10.1021/es103907m

2. Shin, W.S., Shin, C.S. & Yeoun, P.S. The influence of forest therapy camp on depression in alcoholics. 
Environ Health Prev Med 17, 73–76 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-011-0215-0

3. Front. Psychol., 03 June 2022
Sec. Environmental Psychology
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.864836