Mental Health Awareness Month: CBH Medical Director for Quality Dr. Robin Hanson Discusses the Health Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Robin Hanson, DO, CPHQ, Medical Director for Quality at CBH, highlights how spending time outdoors can positively impact one’s mental and physical wellness.
As spring washes over the Philadelphia area, it is a great time to get outdoors—an activity that can be beneficial for your mental and physical health.
From a mental health standpoint, getting outside has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, aid in healthy sleep, and improve focus and mental clarity. Beyond that, making use of public green spaces, like parks and gardens, can also help increase social connection and strengthen one’s sense of community, further supporting mental health. This feels increasingly important as we continue to log more time in front of a screen.
Additionally, being outdoors can have numerous benefits for your physical health, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, strengthened immune system health, better sleep, and increased levels of vitamin D. It also offers opportunities for more exercise, including walking, running, hiking, biking, or participating in other sports.
Spending time outside in a park is also a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness. Try to pause and notice what your senses are experiencing—maybe you feel a refreshing breeze on your skin, smell blooming flowers or rain-soaked grass and dirt, hear the sound of singing birds calling to one another, or see children playing and laughing.
Building outdoor time into your daily routine can be a great way to boost your physical and mental wellness. For more information about local parks, trails, and other outdoor spaces, visit the City of Philadelphia’s Parks & Recreation website. To learn more about the benefits of outdoor time for children and their families, visit Prescribe Outside’s website.
The information provided in this blog post is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice or treatment for a medical condition. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
