For many people, being outside is one of the greatest joys on earth. You may have personal outdoor living goals aside from the satisfaction of sprucing up your garden for spring or redesigning your landscape. If not, there’s no better time to create plans than right now. One way to make achieving them more manageable is to get connected with a counselor at BetterHelp. It may seem surprising, but improving your mental health can enhance every moment you spend outdoors.
Does BetterHelp Make Sense for Outdoors Enthusiasts?
Mental health problems can disrupt outdoor activities, plans, and events. So, getting help for depression, anxiety, or relationship issues can be a positive first step towards meeting whatever outdoor goals you might choose. BetterHelp is an online counseling app that may prove useful in this.
Many clients suggest that BetterHelp gives them the tools and support they need to make the most of their time wherever they are. But is BetterHelp the best option in mental health services for you? Here are some reasons it might be.
Access Anywhere
You can connect with a counselor through the BetterHelp platform no matter where you are. Would you like to sit outside and enjoy your newly remodeled deck? Want to get help when you’re on vacation? No matter where you are, BetterHelp is there. All you need is an internet-connected device and the BetterHelp app, which you can download at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/betterhelp-online-counseling/id995252384.
Qualified Counselors
One thing you want to be sure of when you seek mental health help is that the therapists you’re dealing with actually have the qualifications and credentials needed to perform this service. BetterHelp ensures that all their therapists are certified, licensed counselors.
Excellent Reviews
Reviews are often helpful whenever you are considering using any service. If you want to see what others say, you can read BetterHelp reviews to learn about others’ experiences and impressions. For example, based on hundreds of reviews, this counseling service has been rated as “Excellent” on Trustpilot.
Setting or Following Through with Goals
If you’re already engaged in outdoor pursuits, you’re on the right path. If you aren’t but would like to be, you can likely start right away. A counselor can help you explore the possibilities and make your own decisions about how to set goals and follow through to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
Mental Health Goals
The following outdoor living goals can all contribute to your physical and mental health. Here’s what choosing these goals can do.
1. Enjoying Nature
Researchers in ecotherapy have found that spending time in nature reduces stress, depression, and anxiety.
2. Staying Active
Physical exercise does you a world of good. Not only does it make you more fit and healthy, but it also improves your mental health. It’s been found to relieve low self-esteem, social withdrawal, negative moods, and even depression and anxiety. And what better place to exercise than outside?
3. Spending Time with Loved Ones
Building and maintaining a robust support system of friends and family reduces your vulnerability to mental health issues. You could break this down into smaller, more specific goals. For example, you could plan for a monthly barbecue with your friends. Or you could get together with other family members to work on an older family member’s lawn.
4. Relaxing
De-stressing is easy when you can go outside and relax. Whether you’re elbows-deep in your flowerbed or stretching out lazily on your back porch, the calm, pleasant outdoor environment is sure to soothe your mind and spirit.
5. Lifting Your Mood
Do you feel sad, discontent, or irritable? Spending time outdoors can lift your mood quickly. Just getting out in the sunlight helps your brain release serotonin, which boosts your mood and makes you feel calmer. So, set up some goals, such as how much time you’ll spend outside each day.
6. Having Fun
Anyone who ever hinted that having fun is a waste of time was sorely mistaken. Laughing and playing restore your spirit and make you better able to cope with life’s stresses. But can you plan to have fun? Sure, you can! If you can’t think of any specific goals for having fun, try asking your therapist. They may have some brilliant suggestions for you.
7. Solitude
While social isolation can be harmful to your mental health, sometimes a little solitude is just what you need. Being alone outside for a while gives you a chance to reflect on your place in the world. And you can focus on the natural wonders around you. Pencil in a little time to spend alone regularly.
8. Creating Beauty
The act of creating something beautiful brings joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. Think of something you can create outdoors, such as a beautiful lawn or flower garden.
The Obstacles
All these goals build on each other to help your mental health improve dramatically over time. But there are many reasons why people don’t choose them. Depression can make you want to isolate yourself from others or stay in bed. Anxiety can prevent you from thoroughly enjoying your time outdoors. Relationship issues can make spending time with your loved ones painful. Hopelessness can make it extremely difficult to experience fun or benefit from solitude. But addressing these mental health issues first can help you set and achieve all these goals, which in turn improves your mental wellbeing. It’s a great cycle to be in!
BetterHelp Solutions
BetterHelp offers online counseling through text, chat, videoconferencing, or phone. But even though these methods of connecting with a therapist may be unfamiliar to you, the counseling sessions can work just as well or better than in-person counseling. Counselors use the same methods, techniques, and supportive attention to help you reach whatever realistic goals you choose – outdoors or indoors!
