The Outdoors and Its Impact on Mental Well Being

Hi! I’m Damaris Romain, wife 0f Wayne Romain, part owner of Patio World and blogger extraordinaire ;).  I’m taking over the blog today to shed-light on something I’m deeply interested in–Mental Well Being.  I’ve always been a person that is impacted by my surroundings.  As an introvert by nature, I enjoy the indoors and spending time in my home.  As such, I take great care in creating a home that evokes a sense of comfort, beauty and visual peace.  When I do get myself outdoors, I am reminded of how nature provides us with the very things I seek to create in my home.  Nature does not only provide visual peace but it can also provide us with a sense of well-being.

Research has shown how effective the outdoors can be in boosting our mood and mental health.  Spending time outdoors is linked to a bounty of benefits like, reduced stress and improved attention.  Being outdoors fosters many strategies used to address anxiety and depression, such as, breath work, a focus on the present moment, exercise, and relaxation.  Also, the sense of connection that is induced when in nature has proven to contribute to a feeling of happiness. Sunshine provides us with a dose of Vitamin D that can boost serotonin, our feel-good hormone. Nature is also a great source of natural beauty and awe, that can help us gain perspective on our lives and appreciate the little things.

So, as we embark on a new year with an unforeseen future ahead and inflation touching most of us, why not take advantage of what we are gifted, the great outdoors.  Grab a friend, family, neighbor, pet, etc. and make it a collective experience. Forage for greenery and flowers to bring into your home to continue to experience some of that peace from the outdoors as you relax in your home. The options are endless when it comes to the outdoors and harnessing the power of nature to improve our sense of well-being. Share your stories with us of how you enjoy the outdoors!

Be Well,

DR