The Mental Health Benefits of Spending Time Outside in Eastern Idaho

Summer in Idaho Falls is pure magic. While some days run hot, our easy access to nearby outdoor attractions makes the sunny days worth it. Locally, our Snake River Greenbelt is a favorite, while Yellowstone and Teton National Park are just a day trip away. And on warm summer nights, enjoying your backyard or front porch is just as enjoyable. 

At Integrated Counseling and Wellness, we recognize the benefits of being outside. It’s not just about unwinding after a long day or a busy week; being outside can genuinely support your mental wellness.

3 Reasons Why Being Outside Makes Us Feel Better

Most people know they feel better after spending time outside, but few know why: 

1. Nature Helps Lower Stress

When we’re constantly surrounded by traffic, notifications, work deadlines, and screens, our brains stay on high alert. Natural environments help activate the body’s relaxation response, often lowering cortisol (the hormone associated with stress). 

Even a short walk through a park can help you feel calmer and more grounded.

2. Nature Gives Your Brain a Chance to Recharge

One fascinating theory is called Attention Restoration Theory. Throughout the day, our brains use directed attention to complete tasks, make decisions, and filter distractions. This mental effort eventually leads to fatigue, but nature draws our attention in different ways.

Instead of demanding our focus, trees, rivers, birds, and clouds gently hold our attention without overwhelming us. Researchers sometimes call this soft fascination. That gentle engagement gives the brain an opportunity to recover, often leading to:

• Better concentration
• Clearer thinking
• Improved creativity
• Less mental exhaustion

Attention Restoration Theory may be one reason many people come back from a walk or time in nature with fresh ideas or a new perspective.

3. Moving Outside Can Improve Mood

Outdoor activity naturally combines several habits that support mental health:

• Gentle exercise
• Fresh air
• Sunlight
• Mindfulness
• A break from screens

Together, these experiences may help improve mood and increase feelings of calm and well-being.

You Don’t Need to Hike a Mountain to Feel More Connected

When people hear “spend time in nature,” they often imagine an all-day hike in the Tetons. But luckily, that’s not necessary. Mental health benefits can come from simple outdoor moments:

• Eating lunch outside
• Walking your dog
• Gardening
• Reading under a tree
• Sitting on your porch with your morning coffee
• Watching the sunset
• Taking a walk through your neighborhood

The goal isn’t an adventure. The goal is simply allowing your mind room to breathe.

One advantage of living in Idaho Falls is that nature is never very far away. Here are a few local places where you can enjoy some fresh air and give yourself a mental reset.

Snake River Greenbelt

The Greenbelt offers miles of scenic walking paths alongside the Snake River, making it an ideal place for a mindful walk before work, during lunch, or after dinner.

Freeman Park

Large trees, open green spaces, and peaceful walking paths make Freeman Park a favorite place to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Tautphaus Park

Whether you’re walking the trails or simply sitting in the shade with a book, Tautphaus Park offers a relaxing escape without leaving town.

Idaho Falls River Walk

Sometimes the sound of moving water is enough to help quiet a busy mind. Spending even 20 minutes along the river can become a healthy weekly habit.

Your Own Backyard

Don’t underestimate the value of simply stepping outside. Listening to birds, watering flowers, or enjoying your morning coffee outdoors can provide meaningful mental health benefits.

Nature Isn’t a Cure, But It Can Be Part of Your Wellness Plan

As helpful as nature can be, it’s important to remember that spending time outdoors isn’t a cure for anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health conditions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to cope, counseling can help you understand what’s happening and develop tools that create lasting change.

Think of nature as one part of a larger wellness plan, which may also include therapy, healthy relationships, movement, sleep, medication management, and self-care.

Try the ICW 20-Minute Nature Reset

Looking for an easy place to start? Try this simple exercise the next time you’re outside: 

• Step 1: Put your phone away. Resist the urge to scroll or check notifications.
• Step 2: Walk slowly. There’s no need to rush. Notice the trees, water, sky, and sounds around you.
• Step 3: Engage your senses. Pause and identify five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell, and one thing you appreciate. 
• Step 4: Take a few slow breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly. Repeat this several times.
• Step 5: Reflect. Before heading home, ask yourself: How does my body feel compared to when I arrived? Has my mind become quieter? What’s one thing I want to carry into the rest of my day?

The 7-Day Idaho Falls Nature Challenge

Want to make outdoor time part of your routine? Try this simple nature mental health challenge.

When Extra Support Can Help

Many therapists encourage clients to build small, sustainable habits that support emotional regulation. Spending time outdoors can be one of those habits because it combines movement, mindfulness, and a break from constant digital stimulation.

If stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges are making it difficult to enjoy daily life, you don’t have to navigate them alone. Working with a therapist can help you build coping strategies, gain new perspectives, and create lasting habits that support your mental health. 

At Integrated Counseling & Wellness, our team is here to help individuals, couples, children, and families throughout Idaho Falls and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking for support during a difficult season or simply want to strengthen your overall well-being, we’re here.