From Earth to Energy: Why Being Outdoors Makes Me Healthier, Happier, and More Human

My go-to "happy place"? The outdoors. I need lots of room, water, and lots of sunshine to grow. Basically... I’m a plant. Maybe even a weed.

I am happiest outside.

When I’m indoors too long, I feel suffocated. I get antsy. My mind races with all the things I should be doing. I start to feel fragile—like a houseplant wilting on a windowsill. But when I step outside, something shifts. I breathe better. I feel stronger (even if all I’m doing is walking). I feel connected to something bigger than my to-do list. And most importantly—I feel at peace.

But why is that?

I wasn’t raised by wolves. I’ve never had to forage for berries or track a deer through the woods. So why does the earth feel like home?

It turns out, the answer lies in both our biology and our brain chemistry. We were built to be outside, and sadly, we don’t spend nearly as much time outdoors as we should. According to the EPA, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors—in buildings, cars, and staring at screens. And after the pandemic? That number hasn’t gone back down. In fact, we now spend 51 fewer minutes outside per day than we did before 2020.

No wonder we feel drained, anxious, and disconnected. Here's how reconnecting with nature affects our physical and mental health—especially our metabolism.

🌞 Sunlight: Fuel for Your Cells and Sanity

Just like plants, humans need sunlight to thrive. When you’re outside, your skin synthesizes vitamin D, a nutrient that plays a major role in immune function, hormone balance, and mood regulation. Low vitamin D levels have been linked with insulin resistance, increased fat storage, and even depression.

But it’s not just about vitamins. Morning sunlight helps reset your circadian rhythm, which regulates cortisol (your stress hormone) and insulin (your blood sugar hormone). A well-synced rhythm = better energy, better sleep, and more stable blood sugar throughout the day.

💡 Try this: Start your morning with 10–15 minutes of sunlight—coffee in hand, bare-faced to the sky. Bonus points if you pair it with a short walk.

🧠 Mental Health: Nature Calms a Racing Mind

When I’m inside too long, my brain gets noisy. But outside? It slows down. This isn’t just poetic—it’s science. Studies show that being in nature lowers activity in the brain’s default mode network, the part responsible for rumination and anxious thoughts.

Just 20 minutes outside can significantly reduce levels of cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone. And chronic stress is no small thing—it impacts your blood sugar, sleep, appetite, and even where your body stores fat.

🍃 Nature isn’t just a mental reset—it’s a metabolic one, too.

🌿 Movement in Nature = Metabolic Magic

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a gym membership to support your health. Walking, stretching, or doing yard work outside engages your body in natural, rhythmic movement—and that’s one of the best ways to boost insulin sensitivity and support metabolic flexibility (your body’s ability to switch between burning carbs and fat).

The best part? Being in nature actually encourages you to move more. It’s not a chore—it’s a desire. The scenery changes, the air is fresh, and suddenly a 10-minute stroll turns into 30 without even trying.

🌸 Walking outdoors post-meal can lower your blood sugar and improve digestion. A true win-win.

🌍 Connection: We Were Never Meant to Do This Alone

There’s something healing about realizing you’re not the center of the universe (in the best way). When I’m walking near water, surrounded by trees, or even watching birds in my backyard—I feel grounded. I remember that I’m part of a larger system. That connection to something greater reduces anxiety, strengthens resilience, and gives meaning to even the hardest seasons.

And here’s the thing: when we feel connected, we’re more likely to take care of ourselves. We eat better. We move more. We prioritize rest.

🌺 Final Thoughts: Earth Day Every Day

This Earth Day, I’m not just celebrating the planet—I’m thanking it for helping me feel more alive.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or out of sync with your body, start by stepping outside. Breathe. Let the sunlight hit your face. Put your feet in the grass. You don’t need to change everything—just start with one moment of reconnection.

The earth doesn’t ask for much. But it gives so much back.

Want to bring more nature-based habits into your wellness routine?
I’d love to support you. Let’s build a lifestyle that honors both your biology and your environment—one step (and one sunny walk) at a time.