Colorado Springs has a rich history as a health and wellness destination, located at the base of the majestic Pikes Peak. Founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, the city was envisioned as a resort town known for its mineral springs and stunning scenery. In the late 19th century, Colorado Springs became a recovery destination for tuberculosis patients, thanks to its approximately three hundred days of sunshine, mineral springs, and dry mountain air. A century later, the city became home to the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, hosting around 15,000 athletes each year. Today, Colorado Springs continues to be recognized for its outdoor attractions, including Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Palmer Park, and various trails and open spaces scattered throughout the area. Below are some of the many benefits of spending time outdoors, encouraging us to make better use of these often-free options in our nearby environments.
Mental Health
Many of us can relate to feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Our modern world is filled with technology that constantly calls for our attention, creating a near-constant state of stimulation from screens, traffic, and the other distractions of urban living. This can lead to burnout and mental fatigue, which may result in depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Nature offers a calming, restorative effect that can help lower cortisol levels— the hormone linked to stress— while promoting relaxation and contentment. The tranquility of natural surroundings encourages mindfulness, defined as being intentionally aware of the present moment. The outdoors also engages our senses in ways that screens do not, providing a break from the typical overstimulation of city life. Spending time in nature can help clear the mind, alleviate mental fatigue, and improve overall mood. Research suggests that spending as little as 30 minutes a day, or 120 minutes per week, in green spaces— such as parks, hiking trails, or even your backyard— can reduce anxiety, rumination, and depression symptoms while enhancing overall contentment.
Physical Health
Physical and mental health are interlinked, as one can positively or negatively affect the other. As the mental benefits of being outdoors become apparent, many people feel motivated to engage in physical activities like walking, running, biking, or playing sports. Studies have shown that outdoor physical activity often leads to greater motivation and higher fitness levels compared to exercising indoors. Activities in natural environments can significantly improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and sleep quality, resulting in lower blood pressure, increased immunity, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and longer life expectancy. Additionally, exposure to natural light can help regulate sleep/wake cycles, contributing to better sleep.
Social Connection
Spending time outdoors also offers social benefits. Outdoor activities naturally encourage interactions with others—through organized sports, group hikes, or casual conversations in parks. Shared experiences in nature can foster stronger social bonds and enhance relationships, promoting healthier communication, teamwork, and shared memories.
Social interactions in natural settings can create a sense of community, which is vital for emotional well-being and helps combat loneliness and isolation. In recent years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, public health agencies in the U.S. and worldwide have recognized the 'Loneliness Epidemic' and its negative impact on health. An increasing body of research supports the idea that finding a sense of belonging and community is an antidote to loneliness. Connecting in nature can provide additional benefits.
Cognitive Performance
In addition to boosting mental health, spending time outdoors can enhance cognitive performance by helping individuals recover from the overstimulation of modern life, reduce mental fatigue, and improve focus. Time spent in nature can also increase creativity and critical thinking skills, making it easier to tackle challenges and engage in creative pursuits.
Vitamin D
Being outdoors increases exposure to sunlight, a natural source of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. However, it is important to remember to use sunscreen. Though it may slightly slow the absorption of vitamin D, it is crucial for protecting against UV radiation that can cause skin cancer.
Healing and Personal Growth
In summary, leveraging the benefits of spending time outdoors can lead to enhanced mental, physical, and social health. Embracing nature as a healer can contribute significantly to personal well-being and growth.
Tips and Recommendations When You Are Short on Time and/or Resources.
- Just a few minutes or more: Step outside and feel the sun on your face and as much of your skin as the weather allows. If it is not ideal outside, spend a few minutes gazing out a window at the scenery and imagining the sensations of grass, rain, sunshine, or whatever you enjoy.
- 25 minutes or so: Go for a walk at a pace that suits your abilities. You might also consider completing a meeting, work call, or another task outdoors, or enjoying lunch or dinner with friends or family in a park.
- Explore new places: Visit the Trails and Open Space Coalition website to find a new trail or park in your area to discover.
- Get gardening: Plant a garden, whether it is growing food or flowers, or tackling some overdue yard work.
- Biking around: Take your bike for a ride around the neighborhood or to a nearby park.
- Plan a picnic: Gather friends or family for a picnic. Consider bringing a ball or frisbee to toss around while you are there.
- Read outdoors: Find a shady spot under a tree or lay on a blanket in a green space to enjoy a book.
- Walk with a friend: Connect with a neighbor or friend by scheduling a daily or weekly walk together.
Beck Hansom, LCSW, is a behavioral health care provider who joined the Peak Vista team in 2021. They believe in meeting individuals where they are and starting from a place of validation and empathy. Beck incorporates playfulness into therapy to help individuals connect with their internal experiences. They specialize in trauma, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Borderline Personality Disorder, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
For appointment scheduling or further information about Peak Vista services, please visit peakvista.org or call (719) 632-5700.
