Boost Your Brain Health: The Power of Outdoor Exercise

Are you looking for ways to improve your brain health and overall well-being? Look no further than outdoor exercise! Being in nature has been shown to have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, and when combined with exercise, the benefits are even more pronounced.

GOT ABI is boosting brain health by discovering the trails of south Jersey. We are exploring the trails suggested by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance's initiative AccessNatureNJ.org. We meet at different trails each month. 

Mood Enhancement and Stress Reduction

Exercise is a natural stress-reliever, and being outdoors takes it to the next level. Exposure to green spaces, sunlight, and fresh air can enhance your mood, improve self-esteem, and increase feelings of relaxation ¹. In fact, studies have shown that outdoor exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even improve sleep quality.

Cognitive Benefits

But that's not all! Outdoor exercise has also been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function. Being in nature challenges the brain in ways that indoor environments don't, improving focus, problem-solving abilities, and even memory ². One study found that a brief, 15-minute walk in a natural environment can significantly enhance cognitive function ³.

Psychological Benefits

In addition to the physical and cognitive benefits, outdoor exercise has also been shown to have a positive impact on psychological well-being. Being in nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and even increase feelings of social connection ⁴ ⁵.

Tips for Getting Started

So how can you start incorporating outdoor exercise into your routine? Here are a few tips:

• Find a nearby park or trail: Look for local parks or trails that offer an accessible, safe and enjoyable place to exercise like Pinelands Preservation Alliance's initiative AccessNatureNJ.org.

• Start small: Begin with short, 10-15 minute walks or rolls and gradually increase the duration and intensity.

• Mix it up: Try different types of outdoor exercise, such as cycling, gardening, or hiking, to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.

• Find a workout buddy: Exercising with a friend or family member can help keep you motivated and accountable. Join GOT ABI to keep it social!

Outdoor exercise is a powerful tool for improving brain health and overall well-being. By incorporating outdoor exercise into your routine, you can experience a range of benefits, from improved mood and cognitive function to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. So why not get outside and start exercising with us today?

Works Cited

1. “Why Outdoor Exercise Boosts Your Mental and Cognitive Health.” Brain Tree Nutrition, April 30, 2023, https://www.braintreenutrition.com/blogs/discover/why-outdoor-exercise-boosts-your-mental-and-cognitive-health. Accessed January 29 2025.

2. Katherine Boere, Kelsey Lloyd, Gordon Binsted & Olave E. Krigolson. “Exercising is good for the brain but exercising outside is potentially better.” scientific reports, 20 January 2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26093-2. Accessed 29 January 2025.

3. Higginbotham, Katie. “The Cognitive and Psychological Benefits of Outdoor Exercise.” trainfitness, 29 May 2024, https://train.fitness/personal-trainer-blogs/cognitive-and-psychological-benefits-of-outdoor-exercise. Accessed 29 January 2025.

4. Jo Barton, Sheina Orbell, Leanne Andrews. “Psychological benefits of outdoor physical activity in natural versus urban environments: A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies.” International Association of Applied Psychology, vol. 14, no. 3, 2022, pp. 1037-1061. iapp-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com, https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aphw.12353. Accessed 29 January 2025.

5. “Benefits of Outdoor Exercise.” Miracle-recreation.com, 2025, https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/benefits-of-outdoor-exercise/. Accessed January 2025.

6.  “Nature: Accessible For All - Trails Map.” Nature: Accessible for All, 1 June 2022, https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5d5e1b29f76a42299b708dc0457e7086. Accessed 29 January 2025.