Researchers from the University of Southampton explored how time spent in nature affects mental health, uncovering clear benefits that outdoor experiences can offer. Their findings were shared in a peer reviewed journal focused on personality and social psychology, highlighting practical implications for daily life in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
The studies emphasized authenticity, the sense of living in alignment with one’s true self. Beyond simply noting feelings, the research considered beliefs and desires, and how honest expression and staying true to personal values can influence overall well being and coping skills. The work suggests that environments that encourage genuine self expression may reinforce mental resilience and emotional balance.
Across a sequence of 12 investigations, the team used online surveys and real-world exercises to gauge how people relate to nature and how this relationship shapes worldview. Participants reported on their attitudes toward nature, their sense of connection to the outdoors, and their reactions to urban spaces, parks, and rural areas. The results show that direct experiences with the natural world help people reflect on themselves, their goals, and their place in the broader environment.
Researchers found that the link between nature exposure and self awareness is explained through several mechanisms. Time outdoors tends to raise self esteem and self knowledge, while also boosting confidence in personal abilities. At the same time, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms often decline, especially when individuals engage with green spaces such as trails, forests, and water features. These effects appear not to depend on age, gender, or income, suggesting broad applicability across diverse communities and life stages.
Overall, the findings indicate that regular access to natural settings can strengthen self regulation and emotional well being for people in both urban centers and rural areas. This has practical relevance for Canadian cities, American suburbs, and rural towns where parks, nature reserves, and riversides offer accessible opportunities to reconnect with nature and nurture mental health.
Experts suggest that now is an excellent moment to appreciate the outdoors. Simple routines, like a short walk in a park, a weekend hike, or a quiet moment by a lakeside, can contribute to greater clarity, calmer mood, and a renewed sense of purpose. By prioritizing time in nature, individuals may build enduring habits that support mental health across seasons and settings, reinforcing a healthier, more grounded approach to everyday life.