Being Outside and Mental Health: How to Boost Your Well-Being

Between long workdays, running errands and hours spent on devices, many Americans are not getting enough time outdoors. In fact, the average person spends 11 hours a day using electronic media, while stress levels continue to rise year after year.

Spending time outside, even for just a few minutes, can improve both mental and physical health. Simple activities like stepping into your backyard, taking a short walk or enjoying a nearby park can reduce stress, sharpen focus and boost overall mood. Research shows that access to green spaces is linked to lower rates of depression, decreased anxiety and better emotional well-being.

For those living in urban environments, these benefits are especially important. Cities often expose residents to noise, pollution and constant stimulation, all of which can increase stress. Even brief moments in nature, however, can provide a much-needed mental reset and help you feel more balanced. 

Nature offers a wide range of benefits for mental well-being. Some of the most impactful include:

• Stress relief: Time outdoors helps lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
• Improved focus: Natural settings restore attention and improve cognitive flexibility.
• Enhanced mood: Sunlight exposure boosts serotonin and vitamin D, supporting a positive outlook.
• Family connection: Outdoor activities allow quality time together without the distractions of devices.

Research also shows that neighborhoods with a 30% tree canopy experience a 31% reduction in psychological distress, demonstrating that even urban greenery can have a measurable impact on mental health.

How Does Being Outside Improve Mental Health?

Being outside improves mental health by reducing stress hormones, boosting mood and supporting healthy sleep cycles. Regular outdoor activity encourages mindfulness and can increase feelings of happiness and overall well-being. 

The mental health benefits of nature are closer than you think. Here are a few easy ways to make green spaces part of your everyday life:

• Swap screen time for fresh air. Host a no-electronics game night, share a meal outside or curl up with a book in your yard.
• Try small outdoor projects. Plant flowers, build a birdhouse or even hang laundry outside to soak up extra daylight.
• Reconnect with your neighborhood. Stroll through local parks, take evening walks or check your community calendar for outdoor events.

Even brief activities — just 10 to 20 minutes outside — can sharpen concentration, lower stress and give you a natural boost of energy.

Can Spending Time in Nature Reduce Stress?

Yes. Studies suggest that short periods in nature help lower cortisol, reduce blood pressure and calm the nervous system. Spending consistent time outside can also improve focus and emotional resilience. 

Your yard can be more than just grass; it can serve as a personal retreat for relaxation and balance. Whether you imagine a hammock for afternoon naps, a play area for children or a cozy spot for backyard picnics, a thoughtfully maintained outdoor space encourages time spent outside and supports mental well-being.

Here are a few ways to create your own green escape:

• Maintain a healthy lawn: A lush, green lawn provides a soothing backdrop and makes outdoor spaces more inviting. Regular mowing, seasonal fertilization and weed control all play a role in keeping grass vibrant. Spring and summer are perfect for outdoor activities, while fall and winter prep help ensure your lawn is ready for the next season of backyard relaxation. TruGreen’s seasonal services keep your yard inviting all year long.  
• Plant trees and shrubs: Trees not only add shade and privacy but also help buffer noise from busy streets. Shrubs and flowering plants add natural beauty and seasonal variety, making your space more enjoyable year-round.
• Start a small garden: Gardening is a proven stress reliever that offers gentle exercise and a sense of accomplishment. Even simple projects like planting flowers or herbs can brighten your space and your mood.
• Focus on soil health: Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving lawn and garden. Aeration and overseeding, alongside proper watering, help grass roots grow deeper, making your yard more resilient to stress.
• Add seating and décor: Comfortable furniture, string lights or a fire pit can transform your yard into a space for relaxation and connection. A welcoming outdoor setting encourages you to step away from screens and spend more time in nature.

Even small upgrades can turn your outdoor space into a calming retreat where you can relax, recharge and connect with loved ones. With the right care and attention, your yard can become a personal sanctuary that supports both your mental health and your lifestyle. 

Spending time outside doesn’t need to be complicated. Even simple activities can provide lasting mental health benefits by helping you slow down, step away from screens and enjoy the fresh air. Try mixing relaxation with light activity to keep things engaging for the whole family.

Here are some ideas to get started:

• Turn your yard into a play zone: Host a backyard scavenger hunt, set up an obstacle course or play classic games like hide-and-seek or bocce. Activities like these keep everyone moving while sparking laughter and connection.
• Create outdoor rituals: Read a book with your morning coffee, enjoy yoga on the lawn or spend ten quiet minutes stargazing before bed. Small routines make it easier to build time outdoors into your day.
• Make meals memorable: Take family dinners outside, plan a backyard picnic or try cooking over a firepit for a change of pace. Sharing food in a natural setting helps create lasting memories.
• Get hands-on with nature: Build a birdhouse, start a small garden or plant flowers with the kids. Projects like these provide gentle exercise and let you see the rewards of your efforts grow over time.
• Unplug together: Try a no-electronics night outdoors with board games, storytelling or music. Replacing screen time with fresh air encourages genuine connection.

Just ten minutes outside can relieve stress, boost your mood and refresh your mind. A healthy, inviting yard makes it even easier to enjoy these benefits while creating a natural setting for family connection. 

Does being outside really improve mood?

Yes. Exposure to sunlight and nature stimulates serotonin production, which supports a positive mood and overall well-being

How much time do I need to spend outside to see benefits?

Even short periods, like 20 minutes per day, can lower stress levels and improve focus. Spending longer amounts of time outdoors can increase these benefits

What if I don’t have access to large green spaces?

Even small spaces, like a backyard, balcony or container garden, can provide benefits. Small steps still make a big difference in your mental health 

Spending time outside is one of the simplest ways to support your mental health. A well-maintained lawn and inviting outdoor space can help you recharge, reduce stress and improve focus. With TruGreen, you can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful green space without spending hours on lawn maintenance.

Reach out to TruGreen and find the right lawn care plan for your home, giving you a vibrant yard and more time to enjoy life outside.