Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and there’s a scent of freshly mowed grass wafting in the air. Pop the antihistamine of your choice and head outdoors because this long awaited change in seasons can help change your mood.
How Does Sunlight Help?
First off, as the days grow longer, we’re seeing more sunlight, which increases your body’s production of serotonin. Serotonin is the hormone neurotransmitter that boosts mood and can help you stay focused and calm.
Sunlight exposure also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which supports better sleep—an important foundation for mental health. Warmer weather may also improve your creativity, giving your mind a reset and improving memory.
The Endorphin Effect
Sunny days with warmer weather can entice you to head outdoors a little more often. Going for a walk, jog, hike, gardening or getting out on the water are all great options. Exercise releases endorphins which act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. It can also help reduce stress hormones like cortisol, supporting a calmer overall state.
Rhythmic or repetitive tasks may help ground attention and reduce mental overactivity. Repetitive action, like planting a garden, can be meditative and gives you a closer connection to nature. These activities can also soothe your nervous system.
Time To Unplug
Use your time outdoors to take a break from your smart devices. Sure, listening to music or a podcast can add to your experience, but when was the last time you listened – really listened – to the birds singing or the bugs chirping?
Engage all of your senses: what can you see, feel, hear, smell, taste? Create a mantra like “breath in peace, exhale stress”. This gives your mind a chance to reset. Do this a few times before returning to that podcast.
Find Community
You can also use your time outdoors to engage with others online. Join a Facebook birding group and share pictures of birds you see on your walks. You can find similar groups for gardening, photography, etc. You’ll be part of a community with similar interests, which can promote mental health.
If you find local groups, keep an eye out for in-person opportunities to connect or create ones of your own. Gently encourage others to spend time outdoors and cheer one another on in your shared accomplishments. Even small social interactions—like walking with a friend or attending a local meet-up—can have a positive impact on mood and well-being.
While getting back outside can do a lot for your overall mental health, don’t forget to schedule routine visits with a mental health professional. Consistent support can be an important part of maintaining progress, especially during seasonal transitions.
Our providers can help you with your goals for the season and encourage your efforts. And you don’t have to wait long to get help. We can see new patients in a matter of days, not weeks.