Nature's Gift: Why Outdoors People Are Happier

Guest Opinion

By Kate Lewis | Oct. 28, 2023

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the MI Outdoors Summit, hosted by Land of the Outsiders, in northern Michigan. Among the discussions that unfolded, one question reverberated with resounding affirmation: Are outdoors people happier? While it might seem like there’s a simple and obvious conclusion, the reality is backed by both data and the profound effects of nature on the human psyche and nervous system.

I’ve lived in lots of different places: the woods of Pennsylvania, busy and bustling London, seaside towns on the Atlantic Ocean, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The opportunity to be outside is always present. I always knew the outdoors were important, but I didn’t really understand until I felt a special connection to northern Michigan 10 years ago, shortly after relocating to Traverse City from Boulder, Colorado.

Historically, my daily bicycle commute involved rushing to meet speed or calorie-burning goals. However, on one particular morning, everything changed. It was a normal day doing the same routine preparing for the four-mile trek into work. It was a quiet late August morning, when the sun shifts farther to the east and you can feel the season changing to the always-anticipated local’s summer. The focus shifted from destination to experience, and as I pedaled at a leisurely pace, I felt the morning air on my face, heard the waves roll onto the beach, and witnessed the bay bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn.

The simple beauty of this place changed the way I saw things and made me fall in love with this region and my new community. It was a moment of serenity, a profound sense of contentment that really solidified my connection to northern Michigan. In that moment, the worries, stresses, and concerns that usually weighed on my mind disappeared.

There is something special about this place, and in that moment, it truly became my home. This transformation marked a turning point in my life, sparking a career in helping to make outdoor experiences accessible to all and advocating for their protection, preservation, and most importantly, their use.

The happiness that being outside provides is not just anecdotal; it is rooted in concrete evidence. One compelling piece of evidence is the increasing number of doctors prescribing time outdoors as a remedy for a host of mental health issues. The healing power of nature, often referred to as “forest bathing,” is now a global trend in eco therapy. Forest bathing involves immersing oneself in nature, among the trees, to achieve a profound sense of tranquility and well-being. Science backs this trend, showing how being in nature positively affects our psyche and nervous system.

Something special happens to our minds and bodies when we engage in outdoor activities. The endorphin rush experienced during activities like running, hiking, or cycling isn’t just a transient feeling; it can lead to long-term improvements in mood and mental well-being. The outdoors offers a space for exerting energy, which, in turn, results in an uplifting mental state.

So, what’s the call to action in light of this realization? It’s an invitation to challenge ourselves to take up something new, to step out of our comfort zones, and to disregard the weather as a barrier during shoulder seasons. It’s an encouragement to explore new trails, lose ourselves in the woods, and, most importantly, join the movement to advocate for the outdoors. The outdoors has the power to transform lives and bring happiness, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and protect this exceptional corner of our world for current and future generations.

As someone who has experienced this transformation firsthand and dedicated herself to advocating for the outdoors, I can attest to the profound effects that nature has on our well-being. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity, a source of solace, a space for renewal. Michigan, with its abundant natural resources, is a testament to the immense potential for growth and happiness that the outdoors offers. So, let’s embrace the call to action, discover the joys of the great outdoors, and in doing so, help shape a happier, healthier future for the north and beyond.

P.S. Some of my favorite fall activities include hiking the trails at the Commons followed by a brew at Earthen Ales, biking the Leelanau Trail with a stop at Farm Club, and walking the Boardman Lake Loop Trail taking in all the wonders of wildlife and bursts of color around the lake.

Kate Lewis resides in Leelanau County and serves as the director of communications for Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. You can typically find her biking on a trail, paddling on the water, hiking in the woods, exploring northern Michigan with her kids, or dancing at a Phish show.