This month, we’re highlighting the importance of spending time outdoors in supporting mental health and wellness. Have you ever felt like fresh air and exercise put you in a better mood? You’re not alone.
Multiple studies show that spending time outdoors is associated with clear benefits for physical and mental health. In fact, 82 percent of Pennsylvanians agree that outdoor recreation supports mental health, with 74 percent advocating its use in mental health care, according to a recent Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) survey.
Outdoor recreation can also help:
- Combat seasonal affective disorder through exposure to natural light.
- Facilitate opportunities for healthy social interaction and community building.
- Manage stress, improve cardiovascular health, and boost endorphin levels.
- Gain a better understanding of local ecology, wildlife, and native species.
- Connect and create through painting, photography, or other outdoor arts.
- Aid in recovery for mental health or addiction disorders through the Commonwealth’s Recover in Nature initiative.
This year’s bipartisan state budget also includes continued investments in trails, state parks, and forests, and related infrastructure upgrades, as well as a funding increase for DCNR. DCNR is also posting information about the 9-8-8 crisis line and suicide prevention resources at start parks and forests, as sadly, remote natural areas and even local parks are sometimes the sites of suicides/attempted suicides.
With 2025 behind us, it’s the perfect time to develop a new habit or routine to support and maintain positive mental health. The good news it starts right outside your front door, and you don’t have to wait until spring to take the first step. Begin small with easy, manageable goals that fit your schedule. And if you’re looking for a change of scenery, Pennsylvania is home to numerous parks, trails, streams, waterways, and open spaces to explore.