Effects Of The Outdoors On Mental Health

EFFECTS OF THE OUTDOORS ON MENTAL HEALTH

Exposure to nature has long been recognized as a source of rejuvenation and restoration for the mind and body. In an age of rapidly growing technology, immersive social media, and modern conveniences, it seems more critical than ever to periodically unplug from our everyday environments and give ourselves a big, healthy dose of Mother Nature.

Getting outside is regarded as one of the best alternative anxiety treatments. In fact, medical professionals in Canada are increasingly prescribing “nature” to their patients. Highlighted in a recent Forbes article, Canadian doctors are now legally able to prescribe free passes to national parks for patients who may benefit from more regular exposure to nature. Thanks to the new PaRx initiative, Canada’s first evidence-based nature prescription program, patients can now enjoy incentivized time spent outdoors while improving their own livelihood.

Like brush strokes on canvas, this Grand Teton sunrise nicely illuminated the snow-capped peaks within Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Fine Art Limited Edition of 100.

According to the American Psychological Association, prolonged exposure to nature has been linked to several health benefits such as improved attention, better mood, lower levels of stress, and reduced risk of psychiatric and cardiac disorders. These studies have even shown that experiencing certain colors in natural environments have extra added benefits. From a vibrant green fern to the beauty of blue water, natural colors found within biodiverse places can leave huge positive impacts on the way we feel.

Exposure to nature, even in the form of photographs, can have profound effects on our mental health specifically. Research conducted by scholars for the National Library of Medicine found that participants who viewed nature scenes through photographs improved their overall mood, lowered negative thoughts, and reduced stress. Even brief exposure to nature images can promote feelings of relaxation and well-being, making fine art nature photography a worthy investment for promoting mental health and emotional resilience.

The hours of dawn in Death Valley National Park breathes life into a vast desert scene, as seen here in this contemporary fine art landscape photograph. Fine Art Limited Edition of 100.

There are several ways exposure to landscapes in the form of fine artwork can leave positive impacts:

1. Evokes emotions and stimulates the senses

2. Fosters Personal Connections to Nature

3. Inspires Creativity and Imagination

4. Promotes Mental Well-Being

5. Creates a Sense of Wonder and Appreciation for Nature

You may have heard of “The Biophilia Hypothesis” when talking about environmental studies and theory. It is the idea that humans have a strong desire - or even going as far to say being genetically predisposed to have a strong attraction to nature and other forms of life. It is believed to be one the biggest explanations for human conservation efforts and why we have a strong desire to protect and preserve the environment.

A quiet Cape Cod sunset ignites with a rich, vibrant sunset creating a grand finale just before the day’s end. Fine Art Limited Edition of 100.

As a landscape artist, I am mission-driven to capture and create large, true to life pieces of artwork with so much detail where they serve as “windows” into another world; one where you can hear the sounds of the ocean, smell the fresh scent of red pine, and view an entire ecosystem of life found in the smallest of tide pools. Especially in the case of Lumachrome acrylic prints, high-quality artwork with careful attention to the fine details will transport you right into that scene.

A quintessential Atlantic coastal scene. Where a mix of salty air and spruce trees meet the sound of gulls, waves, and the chiming of the lighthouse. Fine Art Limited Edition of 50.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of investing in your own artwork, whether it’s contemporary fine art landscape photography or more traditional fine art, lies in its ability to foster a sense of connection—to nature, to ourselves, and to the world around us. In today's increasingly digital world, many of us find ourselves spending more time indoors and less time interacting with the beauty of our surroundings. Images of nature serve as a powerful reminder of our intrinsic connection to our environment, stimulating our senses and rekindling our appreciation for the natural world.