Yesterday, the sun warmed my back and lifted my mood as I worked by the window. Today, it’s gloomy and damp, but an hour outside with the dogs still left me feeling focused and alive. Whatever the weather, getting outside connects us to nature and boosts our well-being. Read my latest blog on how the elements can positively impact your mood and mindset.
#MentalHealth #CPTSDRelief #NatureTherapy #BoostYourMood #GetOutside
Sun, Rain, Cold—Nature Lifts Your Mood Every Time
Yesterday, I sat working by the window as the sun streamed in. The warmth on my face put me in a positive mood, and even the tightness in my shoulders from exercising the night before eased as I shifted my seating position to let the sun warm my back. The relaxation helped me focus, and for once, I found it easier to sit at my desk and work.
Today, a typical February morning—gloomy, damp, and chilly. My jumper is zipped up under my chin, and the sky looks more like a dull watercolour wash than a bright motivator. But as I reflect on yesterday, I realise that my mood is still good. Why? Because despite the weather, I got outside.
Spending an hour in the cold and wet with the dogs might not sound appealing at first, but something shifts when you embrace it. The crisp air wakes you up, the rhythm of walking calms the mind, and the simple act of being in nature changes everything. When I returned home, cup of tea in hand, I wasn’t longing for yesterday’s sunshine—I was simply content in the moment.
The Power of Nature, Whatever the Weather
We often assume that good weather equals a good mood. And yes, sunlight has a profound effect—it boosts serotonin levels, helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, and gives us that instant sense of well-being. But if we let the absence of sunshine dictate how we feel, we’d struggle through half the year! The truth is, nature itself—rain or shine—has a powerful effect on mental health and can be a vital tool in reducing the impact of Complex PTSD (CPTSD).
Think about it. That feeling of fresh air filling your lungs, the sound of birds in the trees, the crunch of leaves underfoot, or the rhythmic patter of rain on your coat—these sensory experiences ground us in the present moment. And when you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, PTSD, or CPTSD, that connection to the present can be a game-changer. Engaging with nature, changing your focus, helps prevent CPTSD from taking over your mindset, offering a real and immediate escape from overwhelming thoughts.
The Science Behind It
Exposure to nature is proven to:
- Reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which is often heightened in those with any stresses.
- Improve focus and concentration, crucial for those struggling with the cognitive effects of Complex PTSD.
- Boost mood by increasing dopamine and serotonin, naturally counteracting the emotional lows that PTSD or CPTSD can bring.
- Encourage movement, which releases endorphins, helping to combat fatigue and feelings of helplessness.
- Improve sleep patterns by regulating circadian rhythms, often disrupted in people managing Anxiety, Stress, PTSD or CPTSD.
Even on a grey, miserable day, these benefits are there for the taking. It’s all about mindset—choosing to embrace the elements rather than hide from them. CPTSD can often make people feel trapped in their own thoughts, but stepping outside, even for a short time, provides a much-needed shift in perspective. Thoughts and problems can feel huge in a room, but outside, there is so much more going on, your thoughts and problems diminish putting things in perspective.
Reframing Your Relationship with the Weather
It’s easy to complain about the cold, the rain, or the wind, but let’s flip that thinking. Instead of seeing bad weather as an inconvenience, see it as an opportunity.
- Cold air? It’s invigorating, refreshing, and helps you feel more awake.
- Rain? It’s cleansing, rhythmic, and makes getting back inside feel even cosier.
- Cloudy skies? They create a calming, softer light that’s easy on the eyes and mind.
A simple shift in perspective turns any weather into something to be enjoyed rather than endured. Learning to embrace different conditions, overcoming small hurdles is particularly helpful for people with Complex PTSD, as it encourages resilience and adaptability—two key factors in recovery and mental well-being.
Small Ways to Get Outside More
If you struggle to motivate yourself to get outdoors, start small:
- Take your morning tea or coffee outside, even if just for a few minutes.
- Walk around the block during lunch.
- Stand outside in the fresh air before bed—breathe it in.
- Find a green space near home and make it your go-to thinking spot.
- Get a dog—trust me, they’ll make sure you get out, rain or shine! (You may need to seek your partners advice!)
The Reward of Coming Back In
There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping back inside after being out in the elements. That moment when you wrap your hands around a warm drink, pull on a cosy jumper, and feel the contrast between the outside world and the comfort of home—it’s one of life’s simplest yet most grounding pleasures.
So, the next time the weather isn’t what you’d like, challenge yourself to get out anyway. The sun is wonderful, but nature in all its forms has something to offer, consider it as yin and yang, and when you return, cup of tea in hand, you might just find that you feel better than you expected.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Beyond the benefits of getting outside, your mindset plays a crucial role in shaping your day. Focusing on the good things ahead—whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a favourite meal, or simply the chance to relax—creates a positive attitude that can carry you through challenges. Training yourself to look for these small positives can be a powerful tool in managing Anxiety, Stress, PTSD and CPTSD, shifting your focus from what’s wrong to what’s possible. Each day brings something to appreciate, and when you choose to see it, you set the tone for a better, more hopeful day.
Because it’s not just about the weather—it’s about how we choose to experience it. And for those managing Stress, Anxiety, PTSD and CPTSD, that small choice to step outside could make all the difference in reclaiming your day.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Stress, Anxiety, PTSD or PTSD contact Rik today for a FREE no obligation chat about how he can help reduce your Stresses.