The Power of the Outdoors: Prioritizing Mental Health Through Nature
By Esteban Salazar, Outdoor ambassador “Embajador” and Health and Wellness Coordinator at the San Luis Valley Great Outdoors.
Spending time in nature is one of the most powerful ways to support mental health. In today's world, we often find ourselves connected to screens, which can leave little time for meaningful connections with nature. However, nature has a unique way of grounding us, providing a space for reflection and healing.
Whether it's a short walk in a neighborhood park or a weekend adventure in the mountains, spending time outdoors can help alleviate anxiety, reduce stress, and boost overall happiness. Several studies continue to support its many benefits.
I have seen firsthand how even small outdoor experiences can make a big difference. One of the biggest barriers is just getting started. Many people believe they need expensive gear or extensive outdoor knowledge to enjoy nature, but that’s not the case. A simple outing, such as a picnic at a park or even a walk, can have profound benefits.
Outdoor spaces also provide opportunities for families to reconnect. Parents and children can escape daily pressures, take a break from screens, and engage in activities that promote health and wellness. Watching kids explore, play, and enjoy the fresh air fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and more.
Public lands and local parks belong to all of us, yet access and familiarity remain challenges for many. Some individuals hesitate to visit these spaces due to uncertainty or safety concerns. The key is to start small by exploring a nearby park, taking a familiar trail, or attending a community event in an outdoor setting. Public land agencies provide helpful resources, including maps and guidelines, to help ease those first steps into outdoor recreation.
I take pride in my role as the Health and Wellness Coordinator and "Embajador" (outdoor ambassador) at San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO). Our mission is to encourage our community to engage with the outdoors by providing opportunities and resources to enjoy our public lands. Considering cultural aspects involved and striving to fill the information gap for our community is pivotal.
Our organization launched the "Nature Prescription Program," which is a partnership between San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO) and several healthcare providers in the region. The program encourages outdoor activities as a healthcare intervention by recommending patients facing mental and behavioral challenges to spend time outdoors and providing them with information about various outdoor recreation opportunities.
While some healthcare providers and insurance companies do not permit primary care physicians to discuss this initiative because it isn't billable or quotable, therapists in behavioral health have found success in offering patients alternatives and tools to help manage depression, anxiety, and even addiction. The impact of handwritten prescriptions encouraging patients to visit parks or explore trails cannot be underestimated.
We hope that what we have initiated, though currently on a small scale, can grow and be adopted by insurance companies and larger healthcare organizations in the future.
The mental health benefits of nature are for everyone. Whether it’s finding peace in the stillness outside, releasing stress through movement on a trail, or simply breathing fresh air under the open sky, the outdoors offers a path to well-being.
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s encourage more time outside, more connection with the outdoors and each other, and more opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature.