The Healing Power of Nature: Why Getting Outside Can Help You Cope
- Tracy Larson
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
When Life Feels Overwhelming, Step Outside
You wake up feeling heavy, your thoughts racing before your feet even hit the floor. Maybe stress from work is piling up, or the weight of the world feels unbearable. You reach for your phone, scrolling through news updates and social media, only to find more reasons to feel anxious. Before you know it, hours have passed, and you’re still sitting indoors, caught in a loop of worry.
What if, instead of scrolling, you stepped outside? What if, instead of being consumed by stress, you let fresh air fill your lungs and birdsong replace the noise in your mind?
Nature has an incredible ability to heal, soothe, and restore balance. You don’t have to embark on a grand adventure into the mountains—even a simple walk through a park or sitting on your porch can bring relief. If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, spending time outside could be one of the simplest and most effective ways to care for your mental health.
How Nature Supports Your Mental Health
There’s a reason why you feel lighter when you step into a green space, hear the rustling of leaves, or smell fresh air after a rainfall. Studies have shown that spending time in nature improves mental well-being by:
Lowering stress hormones: Nature helps regulate cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, making you feel calmer.
Boosting mood: Time outside increases serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that contribute to feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Reducing anxiety and depression: Research shows that even small amounts of time in nature can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Encouraging mindfulness: Being in nature brings you into the present moment, helping you disconnect from racing thoughts.
Improving sleep: Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better rest at night.
Nature as a Natural Stress Reliever
When your mind is overwhelmed, your body often follows. You might feel tense, exhausted, or unable to focus. Spending time outside is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for stress relief in Prince George—without the therapy room. It allows your brain to slow down and reset, giving you a much-needed break from everyday worries.
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to benefit from nature. There are simple ways to bring the outdoors into your routine:
Take a walk: A 20-minute stroll through a park can do wonders for your mood.
Sit by the water: Lakes, rivers, and even fountains have a calming effect.
Garden or care for plants: Digging your hands into the soil can be incredibly grounding.
Eat a meal outside: Whether it’s breakfast on your porch or lunch at a picnic table, changing your environment can help you reset.
If you live in Northern BC, you’re surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Canadian National Parks like Jasper and Yoho are incredible options for a weekend retreat, but even local green spaces can offer the same benefits.
Nature and PTSD: A Path to Healing
For those recovering from trauma, nature offers a gentle and supportive environment for healing. If loud noises, crowded spaces, or the fast pace of daily life make you feel on edge, stepping into a quiet forest or open field can bring relief.
Nature helps you:
Reconnect with your body: Trauma can make you feel disconnected, but nature gently reminds you that you are present and safe.
Create a sense of control: Unlike city environments, nature allows you to move at your own pace without constant external pressure.
Find perspective: Standing in a vast landscape can remind you that challenges are temporary, and healing is possible.
If you’re struggling with PTSD or anxiety, working with an experienced mental health therapist in Prince George BC can complement the healing benefits of nature. You don’t have to navigate this alone—help is available.
Book a session with HML Wellness Solutions today.
Making Nature a Part of Your Self-Care Routine
Spending time in nature isn’t just an occasional escape; it can become a daily practice that improves your well-being over time. Here’s how you can make it part of your life:
Start small: Even 5-10 minutes outside can make a difference.
Find your favorite spots: Whether it’s a local park, a riverbank, or a quiet trail, choose places that bring you peace.
Unplug while outside: Avoid distractions like your phone. Let yourself fully absorb the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
Pair nature with movement: Walking, stretching, or practicing yoga outside amplifies the mental health benefits.
Go with a friend: Connecting with nature and loved ones at the same time can increase feelings of support and connection.
Your Healing Journey Starts Now
If you’ve been feeling trapped by stress, anxiety, or depression, nature can be a powerful tool to help you heal. It won’t solve every problem, but it can provide moments of peace and clarity in a chaotic world.
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, post-traumatic stress, or everyday stressors, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with HML Wellness Solutions today.
Breathe deeply. Step outside. Let nature remind you that healing is possible.
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