Outside for a Reason: How Nature Supports Mental Health and Resilience, For Military Veterans Too

Being outside with friends is beneficial for your mental health

I am a strong advocate for using the outdoors as a powerful tool to cope with life’s stressors and support mental health. Whether it’s drinking your morning coffee outside, tending a garden, or heading out for a run, spending time outdoors can have a meaningful impact on your psyche.

I first discovered this for myself during graduate school, while also working full-time. Most mornings started at the gym as I focused on getting in shape, but eventually my workouts shifted outdoors and onto the trails as I worked on improving my running. That’s when I noticed something interesting—on the mornings I hit the trails, my mood throughout the day noticeably improved.

Not long after, I transitioned professionally into the field of Integrated Behavioral Health, which deepened my passion for the mind–body connection. Through both experience and research, I continued to learn just how powerful the outdoors can be in supporting both mental and physical well-being.

Research On the Outdoors and Mental Health

Our connection with nature plays a powerful role in mental health. Spending time outdoors has been shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of PTSD—which, in turn, positively impacts physical health as well.

Beyond my own personal experience, there is a growing body of research supporting the mental health benefits of spending time outside. Below are just two examples from the many studies and publications available.

In one systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of nature-based interventions (NBIs) on mental health, researchers reported the following:

“The most effective interventions were offered for between 8 and 12 weeks, and the optimal dose ranged from 20 to 90 minutes. NBIs—specifically gardening, green exercise, and nature-based therapy—are effective for improving mental health outcomes in adults, including those with pre-existing mental health problems.”(Coventry et al., 2021)

Another study published in 2021 examined the impact of outdoor walking on mental health. Researchers found that light- to moderate-intensity walking outdoors was associated with better overall mental health later in life. The study analyzed three key walking factors—frequency, duration, and intensity—and followed participants for 12 months. The results showed a significant relationship between regular outdoor walking and improved mental well-being. (Chen, 2021)

Military Veterans

For my military veterans—and for those who work closely with veterans experiencing PTSD and other mental health challenges—I encourage you to explore Field Exercises: How Veterans Are Healing Themselves Through Farming and Outdoor Activities by Stephanie Westlund.

Westlund does an excellent job compiling research on the impact of the outdoors on mental health across diverse populations, including studies involving animals, children, women, men, and military veterans. The latter portion of the book highlights a variety of programs that integrate outdoor activities—such as farming, land stewardship, and nature-based work—specifically designed to support veterans.

While these programs are not the only ones available, the book serves as a strong starting point. If you are a veteran seeking a similar program, a quick online search will reveal many more options today than when this book was first published.

That said, it’s important to be clear: spending time outdoors is not a magic pill. Mental health challenges and life stressors do not disappear simply by stepping outside. The outdoors is one valuable tool among many—one that can enhance resilience, regulate stress, and support overall well-being when used alongside other strategies.

If you are navigating more than everyday stress—such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health concerns—please reach out to a licensed mental health professional for additional support. Nature can help, but you don’t have to do this alone.

Spending time outdoors won’t solve every problem, but it can be a powerful and accessible tool for supporting mental health, reducing stress, and reconnecting with both your body and your environment. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee outside, a walk through your neighborhood, or time on the trails, these moments add up and can play a meaningful role in your overall well-being.

If you’re ready to take your health journey to the next level, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to guide you, keep you accountable, and help you create real, lasting change—mind, body, and lifestyle. Reach out anytime, and let’s start building the healthier, happier, stronger version of you.

Stay curious. Stay focused on self-care.

If you found this information useful, please check out my podcast or follow me on Facebook. Any topics you would like to cover? Email me at Renee@bodyandmindstrong.com.(I will NOT use your email for any type of mailer list or spam!!)

Resources:

Chen, S., Stevinson, C., Yang, C., Sun, W., Chen, L., & Ku, P. (2021, August). Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of outdoor walking with overall mental health in later life. Experimental Gerontology, [s. l.], v. 151, 2021. DOI 10.1016/j.exger.2021.

Coventry, P., Brown, J., Pervin, J., Brabyn, S., Pateman, R., Breedvelt, J., Gilbody, S., Stancliffe, R., McEachan, R. & White, P. (2021, December 16). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM Population Health. v. 16, 2021. DOI 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100934.