Positive Benefits of the Outdoors
By Cindy Moore
The Tetons
Step Away from the Screen and Into the Green
After time spent outdoors, do you notice a shift in your mood?
After months of planning, we stepped out of the car and into Grand Teton National Park. Even though the weather wasn’t ideal for picture-perfect views, it didn’t take away from the awe of being there. We pointed out fresh moose tracks, spotted bighorn sheep on rocky outcroppings, and watched herds of elk in the distance.
Our guide apologized that we couldn’t fully see the mountains through the clouds, but to us, it didn’t matter. Just being surrounded by that kind of vastness was enough. We felt giddy, breathed a little deeper, and let our surroundings set the pace.
We are not alone in feeling that shift when stepping outside of our 4-wall world.
What People Are Experiencing
“Spending time outdoors makes me feel like I’m at the right pace of life…”
“Time outdoors makes me feel alive and gleeful like a young girl again…”
“Nothing fills my cup more than an agendaless saunter through the forest…”
“I de-stress after the first few days in the woods… and become really grateful for the gifts that nature provides.”
“It makes me feel like I’m part of the natural world, like I belong out there.”
Feeling calm isn’t just in your head.
Spending time in nature has been shown to lower cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone. When cortisol levels drop, we start to feel less anxious, sleep better, and experience an overall mood boost. Even short periods outdoors can help lower heart rate and blood pressure, especially in more immersive environments like forests.
With less stress on the system, the mind has more space to reset.
Many people also notice improved clarity and focus. As one member shared, “The more time I spend outside, the more my mind expands and nurtures my curiosity.”
This aligns with Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that natural environments help restore our ability to focus. Unlike screens and schedules that demand constant attention, nature holds our focus gently, giving our brains a chance to recover.
Nature isn’t just calming; it helps clear our minds so we can think again.
There is something deeper happening.
Time in nature often creates a stronger sense of connection to ourselves, to others, and to something bigger. It can shift perspective, spark curiosity, and remind us that we’re part of something larger than our day-to-day routines.
As one member shared, “It’s a unifying experience where I feel like I’m part of something much larger.”
Another put it simply: “We do better in groups… than by ourselves.”
Whether it’s learning from others on the trail, sharing experiences, or just being present in the same space, nature has a way of bringing people and perspective together.
Why it Matters
It’s easy to think of time in nature as something extra, something we’ll get to when our schedule clears up. But the benefits go far beyond a nice view or a good weekend activity.
Time outside supports how we handle stress, how clearly we think, and how connected we feel. It gives us a reset when life feels busy, loud, or overwhelming.
As one member shared, “I end up being a better wife, mother, and friend as a result of exploring the outdoors.”
Even small moments, stepping outside for a few minutes, walking around the block, or pausing between meetings, can help shift your mood and bring a sense of balance back into your day.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about stepping away, even briefly, and letting your environment do some of the work for you.
Put It Into Practice
You don’t need perfect weather, a long weekend, or a national park to experience the benefits of nature.
Start small:
Step outside for 10 minutes during your day
Take a walk, ruck, or stretch outdoors
Move your next call or break outside
Visit a local trail, park, or green space
If you’re looking for a little more connection, invite someone to join you. Check out an upcoming Outdoor Adventures Connect to Nature Challenge or consider going on an Eagle Expedition.
Sometimes the hardest part is just getting out the door. After that, nature tends to take it from there.
Join us for the Connect to Nature Challenge with 16 days of purposeful time outdoors for all ages and abilities.
