The information shown on this page has been crowd-sourced anonymously from members of the Bearable community who live with Depression and who have used Time in nature as part of their self-management routine.
4.2
out of 5
Moderate improvement
in Depression
4.0
out of 5
Moderate improvement
in Well-being
100%
of reviews reported
An improvement
in some aspect of their health
We asked members of the Bearable community to share their recommendations and reviews of their experience using Time in nature for Depression
The information on this page is collected from our community of hundreds of thousands of people who live with and manage multiple chronic health conditions and disorders. If you’ve had your own experience with using Time in nature to manage Depression, we’d love for you to submit your own review.
The ratings and reviews on this page are updated monthly and we’ll incorporate your feedback into the next update. To submit your own review of Time in nature on Depression, please complete the form linked below.
When we talk about spending “time in nature,” we’re really just talking about getting outside and surrounding ourselves with the natural world—whether that means going for a walk in the woods, sitting by a lake, or even just hanging out in a nearby park. It doesn’t have to be some grand adventure like hiking up a mountain or camping in a forest for days. Just being in a natural setting, however simple, can have a surprising impact on how you feel, especially when you’re managing depression.
One of the big reasons why nature helps with depression is that it gives your mind a break from all the noise. Studies show that being in natural environments can lower cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone that goes into overdrive when you’re feeling anxious or depressed). Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression, according to research reviewed by the Mayo Clinic. It’s like giving your brain a much-needed reset. The constant stimulation we get from screens, work, or just everyday life can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already feeling low. Nature provides a quiet space to just be, without the pressure of productivity or the need to interact with people.
Another key benefit is that nature encourages movement. Even a gentle walk can release endorphins—those “feel-good” chemicals that our bodies naturally produce. Physical activity has been shown time and again to help manage depression, and being outside often makes it easier to get moving without even thinking of it as “exercise.” A 2013 study, points out that combining physical activity with nature seems to have a stronger positive effect on mood compared to exercising indoors . So, instead of forcing yourself to hit the gym, why not take a stroll outside and see how your body and mind respond?
But the perks of being in nature go beyond just physical activity. Sunlight can play a huge role in how we feel emotionally. Exposure to sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which is fancy talk for the way our body knows when to sleep and when to wake. Depression, especially seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is often worsened when we don’t get enough sunlight. Spending time outdoors—even on a cloudy day—can increase your body’s production of serotonin, the brain chemical associated with mood-boosting and well-being, as noted by Harvard Health. More serotonin generally means less of that “heavy” feeling depression brings.
Connecting with nature also helps bring a sense of mindfulness, even if you’re not trying to be “mindful.” When you’re outside, it’s easier to notice the small things: the sound of leaves rustling, the feeling of the sun on your skin, or the smell of fresh rain. This can shift your focus away from the constant negative thoughts depression often brings and root you in the present moment.
And here’s the best part—there’s no right or wrong way to experience nature. Whether you’re sitting on your porch with a cup of coffee or walking through a nature trail, every bit of time outside counts. It’s not about how long you spend or how far you go. It’s about giving yourself a break, letting your brain breathe, and maybe even discovering that the world around you is a little more soothing than you thought.
So, the next time depression feels like it’s taking over, consider stepping outside. It won’t cure everything, but it might just help take the edge off in ways that surprise you.
Here are a few simple, approachable tips – from Mind – for someone looking to get started with spending more time in nature, especially when managing depression:
Start small: You don’t have to spend hours outside to reap the benefits. Start by taking short walks around your neighborhood or visiting a local park. Even just 10-15 minutes outside can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.
Bring nature to you: If it’s hard to get out some days, bring nature into your space. Open a window to let in fresh air, add plants to your home, or sit on your balcony. Watching birds or even listening to nature sounds can create a calming atmosphere.
Mix it with your routine: Incorporate outdoor time into things you already do. Instead of sitting inside to drink your morning coffee, bring it outside. If you have phone calls or catch up on podcasts, try doing them while walking outdoors.
Go easy on yourself: Remember, there’s no perfect way to enjoy nature. If you can only sit in your backyard for a bit or walk around the block, that’s okay! It’s about creating a habit that works for you.
Explore local green spaces: If you’re feeling up for a change of scenery, try visiting local parks, nature trails, or gardens. Many cities have accessible green spaces where you can relax, read, or simply people-watch while surrounded by nature.
Invite a friend or pet: If you feel isolated or lonely, bring a friend or your pet along for a walk. It can make the experience more enjoyable and motivate you to spend more time outdoors.
Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a rough day. It’s a complex mental health condition that affects every part of your life, from your energy and mood to your sleep and motivation. It can make even the simplest of tasks feel impossible. While everyone’s experience with depression is different, common symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and trouble sleeping. You might feel like you’re stuck in a fog, unable to shake off negative thoughts or find joy in things you once loved.
Depression isn’t something you can just “snap out of“—it’s a medical condition that often requires a combination of treatments and strategies to manage. And while that might feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that there are ways to cope, even when things feel really heavy.
When it comes to managing depression, finding what works for you is key. Some strategies help relieve symptoms and provide a sense of control over how you feel. It’s not about one magic solution but rather building a toolkit of small, manageable activities that make a difference over time. Here are some ways that might help ease depression:
Spending Time in Nature
As mentioned earlier, nature can be a powerful tool in managing depression. Spending time outdoors reduces stress and anxiety, helps you focus on the present, and improves mood by naturally boosting serotonin levels. The calm and quiet of the natural world offers your brain a break from the overstimulation of everyday life. Whether it’s sitting in your yard, walking through a park, or just taking in fresh air, nature has a way of grounding us. And the best part? You can start small and work your way up to longer outings as it fits your lifestyle and energy levels.
Physical Activity
Depression often leaves you feeling drained, so the idea of exercising might seem impossible. But movement, even in small doses, can really help. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are those natural chemicals that make you feel better. You don’t need to run a marathon—taking short walks, stretching, or even dancing around your living room can be enough to start feeling the effects. The key is doing something that feels doable for you on a given day, and if you can combine this with time in nature, even better.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Depression often brings a flood of negative, racing thoughts that are hard to control. Mindfulness and meditation are ways to slow down those thoughts and create some mental space. You don’t have to meditate for hours or be perfectly still. Even a few minutes of focusing on your breathing or simply noticing what’s around you can help calm your mind. Apps and guided meditations can be a great starting point if you’re new to this practice.
Social Connection
It can feel easier to isolate yourself when you’re depressed, but social connection—even in small doses—can help break through that isolation. This doesn’t mean you have to throw yourself into big social gatherings. It might just be about reaching out to a friend, spending time with family, or even talking to a support group of people who understand what you’re going through. Having someone to talk to, or even just be around, can make the weight of depression feel a little lighter.
Creative Outlets
Engaging in creative activities can help redirect your focus and express your emotions in a different way. Whether it’s writing, drawing, painting, or playing music, creativity can serve as an outlet for feelings that are hard to put into words. You don’t have to be “good” at it—it’s about the process and allowing yourself to get lost in something outside of the constant cycle of negative thoughts.
Professional Support
Managing depression often requires professional support. This can include talking with a therapist, counsellor, or doctor who can guide you through the treatment options, whether that’s therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other types of therapy have been shown to be effective in treating depression by helping you develop tools to manage thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your symptoms.
How I manage Dysautonomia, PoTS, Mastocytosis, Anxiety, and Depression Interview & article by Jesse Driessen.Published 7th June 2024. Kayleigh lives with Dysautonomia, Postural tachycardia syndrome
Around 9% of Americans struggle with depressive illnesses and many opt for a combination of medication and talking therapy to help tackle it head on. You might have heard of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy already but is it an effective option for those living with depression? Let’s take a closer look.
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