The Mental Health Benefits of Nature for Teens

As the summer begins and teens enjoy a break from academic responsibilities, some may find that their open-ended schedule feels overwhelming or isolating. Many teens find themselves in a tricky in-between stage: too old for day camps and too young for a summer job. Fortunately, the warmer weather offers a natural opportunity to support teens’ wellbeing by spending more time outside!

Rumination vs. Self-Reflection

Don’t worry, you don’t need to take up running or go back-country camping. Simply spending time in green spaces can lower stress hormones and quiet the body’s fight-or-flight response. Going for a walk in nature has been shown to reduce activity in parts of the brain related to rumination: a pattern of negative thinking often seen in anxiety and depression.

Spending time outdoors, especially when alone, can also provide a great opportunity for self-reflection. While rumination involves dwelling on negative experiences and emotions, self-reflection requires getting curious about ourselves, our thought processes, values and emotions, all without judgement. The latter helps deepen self-understanding and awareness, helping teens to make choices that feel more aligned with who they are and what matters to them.

A Sense of Freedom and Space

Adolescence is a time of seeking independence and autonomy. Being outdoors, especially in open, natural spaces offers adolescents a valuable sense of emotional and physical freedom. Teens can gain a sense of autonomy through change in scenery, a break from pressures that accompany schoolwork, and time off from screens and social media. Research shows that spending time in nature can help young people restore their sense of agency and perspective, which can make it easier to reflect on challenges and discover new approaches to managing distress.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Even slightly increasing time spent outdoors can have a positive impact.

Here are some suggestions for starting small:

• Sit on the porch or balcony and eat a meal or listen to music
• Take a short walk around the block
• Take a detour through a park
• Lie down or sit on a blanket on the grass and watch the clouds
• Spend some time gardening!

We live in a big city, but Toronto has some amazing green spaces to offer!

Find parks and green spaces nearby!