The Mental Health Boost of Being Active Outside: Make it a Part of Your Healing This Summer.

Fact-checked & reviewed by Syntero Director of Outreach & Psychiatry, Erin Davis, Ph.D., Psychologist

When Michelle first started counseling, she was exhausted. A mother of two, working full-time while caring for her aging father, she described her life as “one long to-do list I can’t get ahead of.” Her youngest, 9-year-old Jonah, was struggling too—battling anxiety that often made school mornings a battleground.

“I felt like I was failing him,” Michelle admitted during her first family counseling session. “He needs help, and I don’t know where to start.”

Their clinician started with something simple: Go Outside.

Michelle’s family began with short walks in their neighborhood—no phones, no pressure, just walking and noticing. At first, Jonah resisted. He was more comfortable inside, where he could control his environment. But slowly, things began to shift.

“I saw him breathe a little deeper,” Michelle said. “And I realized I was doing it too.”

Before long, the neighborhood walks turned into weekend bike rides, then exploring local trails, and even planting a small vegetable garden together.

In therapy, Michelle noted that Jonah’s anxiety was still there, but it controlled him less. She found herself feeling calmer, more patient as their connection deepened.

“It wasn’t a magic fix,” Michelle said, “but it gave us a new rhythm. A new way to be together without tension or tears.”

Michelle’s story is one we see often at Syntero. In the push to manage life’s demands, many individuals and families overlook a powerful tool for mental wellness: being active outdoors.

In our fast-paced, screen-filled world, stepping outside can feel like a luxury. But at Syntero, we know it’s more than that—it’s essential. Time spent in nature and being physically active outdoors can have profound, lasting effects on mental health for people of all ages.

Children and teens who spend time outside tend to sleep better, focus better, regulate their emotions more effectively, and exhibit fewer behavioral issues. Outdoor play builds confidence and social skills, and can be especially effective for youth dealing with anxiety, trauma, or mood disorders.

For adults, outdoor activities like hiking or gardening provide opportunities to practice mindfulness and can reduce feelings of burnout, increase resilience, and provide a critical pause from the pressures of caregiving, work, and digital overload.

And for families, shared time outdoors can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create a sense of togetherness that screens and structured schedules often can’t.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike through the woods, gardening in your backyard, or paddling on a lake; outdoor activity is one of the most effective ways to support emotional well-being. And the research backs it up.

According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in December, 2024, walking about 7,500 steps per day is correlated with a 42% reduction in the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression, while numerous research studies indicate structured nature programs can significantly reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Time in nature doesn’t just feel good—it does good, especially when combined with evidence-based behavioral health treatment.

The Science Is Clear: Nature Helps Us Heal

• Relaxation and lower stress: Spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, leading to reduced anxiety and improved mood. According to a survey by Talker Research, 68% of people say that spending time in nature helps them relax.

• Alleviation of Depression and Anxiety: According to an article in The Guardian, nature-based interventions have shown significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms

• Better focus and emotional regulation: For children especially, time outdoors is linked to improved attention, fewer behavioral issues, and better self-regulation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, outdoor play can improve executive function, boost creativity, and promote healthy risk-taking.

• Improved mood and sleep: Regular exposure to natural light and physical activity can help reset the body's internal clock, supporting better sleep and more stable moods in both youth and adults. Engaging in physical activities outdoors, like hiking or cycling, promotes deeper and more restful sleep.

• Enhanced connection and community: Outdoor activities like group walks, family hikes, or community gardening offer opportunities to connect with others and build supportive relationships—an essential ingredient for mental wellness. Participating in group outdoor activities fosters social interaction, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing a sense of community.

A Camp Where Therapy and Adventure Go Hand in Hand

One way Syntero uses outdoor activities in their services is through a partnership with Flying Horse Farms (FHF)— a transformational medical specialty camp in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, which provides youth and teens with a unique blend of traditional camp fun and professional mental health support.

Flying Horse Farms offers week-long camp sessions designed for young people with serious health conditions, including those navigating mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and mood disorders. At the heart of this experience is a simple but powerful idea:

Healing happens when kids are free to play, connect, and challenge themselves—in a safe, supportive environment.

Campers explore zip lines, archery, canoeing, hiking trails, and more—activities that build confidence, encourage social connection, and spark joy. While the FHF camp team ensures safety and fun, Syntero’s licensed mental health clinicians are embedded onsite to provide therapeutic support, mental health evaluations, crisis intervention, and daily check-ins.

The result is a dynamic model of care that integrates nature-based activities with professional clinical oversight, supporting the emotional and psychological growth of every camper.

The 2025 Flying Horse Farms Mental Health Camp is from July 7-11. For questions or more information, email Campers@FlyingHorseFarms.org.

Small Steps, Big Impact

You don’t need a wilderness retreat or a full day off to experience the benefits. Even short bursts of time outside—a walk around the block, sitting under a tree, or a visit to a local park—can make a meaningful difference.

Try incorporating some of these ideas into your routine:

• Take your morning coffee outdoors

• Have walking meetings or therapy sessions when possible

• Plan tech-free family time outside each week

• Explore a new trail, garden, or neighborhood park

• Start a nature journal or simply notice what you see and hear

At Syntero, we believe that true wellness is rooted in connection—to ourselves, to others, and to the natural world around us.

If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health support—indoors or outdoors—reach out to our intake team at 614-889-5722 ext 133.

Visit syntero.org to learn more about our services across Central Ohio.

Because sometimes, the path to healing starts with just a few steps—taken outside, of course.

Michele’s story is a composite based on real client experiences. While not a single individual, her journey reflects the challenges and resilience we see every day at Syntero.