The outdoors play such a big part in our mental wellness. There’s a reason people move to Colorado and never want to leave. Sure, the mountain views are stunning and the skiing is world-class, but there’s something deeper happening here. The outdoor lifestyle that defines Colorado culture isn’t just about recreation—it’s actually one of the most powerful tools for supporting mental health and overall wellness.
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we see firsthand how Colorado’s natural environment and active lifestyle contribute to our patients’ healing journeys. Let’s explore why getting outside matters so much for mental health, and how you can tap into this incredible resource right in your backyard.
The Science Behind Nature and Mental Health
It’s not just a feeling—research consistently shows that spending time in nature has measurable effects on mental health. Studies have found that time outdoors can:
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Lower stress hormone levels like cortisol
- Improve focus and cognitive function
- Boost mood and overall sense of well-being
- Decrease rumination (that endless loop of negative thoughts)
- Improve sleep quality
- Increase feelings of vitality and energy
Even brief encounters with nature—a 20-minute walk in the park, sitting by a stream, or simply being surrounded by trees—can shift your mental state in meaningful ways.
Colorado gives us an embarrassment of riches when it comes to accessing these benefits. Whether you’re in Colorado Springs with Pikes Peak looming overhead, Boulder with its extensive trail system, or Denver with parks and foothills minutes away, nature is accessible in a way that’s rare in much of the country.
Movement as Medicine
The Colorado lifestyle naturally encourages physical activity, and that’s huge for mental health. Exercise isn’t just good for your body—it’s one of the most effective interventions for mental health conditions.
Regular physical activity:
- Releases endorphins and other feel-good neurochemicals
- Reduces inflammation throughout the body (including the brain)
- Improves sleep quality
- Provides a healthy way to process and release stress
- Builds confidence and sense of accomplishment
- Creates structure and routine
The beauty of Colorado’s outdoor culture is that movement doesn’t feel like a chore. You’re not dragging yourself to a gym and staring at a wall. You’re hiking to a waterfall, mountain biking through aspen groves, snowshoeing through fresh powder, or rock climbing with friends. The activity becomes enjoyable in itself, not just something you’re doing because you “should.”
This matters because sustainability is key. The best exercise for mental health is the kind you’ll actually do consistently. And when exercise feels like play or adventure rather than obligation, you’re much more likely to stick with it.
The Vitamin D Connection
Let’s talk about sunshine. Colorado boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, and that’s not trivial for mental health. Sunlight exposure helps regulate your body’s production of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with depression, seasonal affective disorder, and other mental health challenges. While you can take supplements (and sometimes that’s necessary), getting vitamin D from natural sunlight also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which affects sleep, energy, and mood.
In Colorado, even in winter, you can often get outside on a sunny day. That regular exposure to natural light keeps your internal clock synchronized and your mood more stable than it might be in cloudier climates.
Finding Community Outdoors
One of the best things about Colorado’s outdoor culture is how social it is. People here bond over hiking trails, ski runs, climbing routes, and biking paths. These shared activities create natural opportunities for connection.
And connection, as we know, is fundamental to mental health. Loneliness and isolation contribute significantly to depression and anxiety. Having regular social interaction—especially around activities you enjoy—provides built-in support and belonging.
Whether you join a hiking meetup group, take a yoga class in the park, or simply chat with other people on the trail, these casual connections add up. You’re building community while also taking care of your mental health.
Mindfulness in the Mountains
There’s something about being in nature that naturally pulls you into the present moment. The sound of wind through pine trees, the crunch of snow under your boots, the sight of a hawk circling overhead, the smell of sagebrush after rain—these sensory experiences anchor you in the now.
This is essentially mindfulness, which is a proven technique for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. But instead of sitting on a meditation cushion (which is great too), you’re practicing presence while moving through beautiful landscapes.
Colorado’s environment makes mindfulness accessible. You don’t need special training or equipment—just step outside and pay attention. Notice what you see, hear, feel. Let the grandness of the mountains put your worries in perspective. Allow yourself to be fully present in your body and surroundings.
How to Integrate Colorado’s Outdoors Into Your Mental Health Care
So how can you actually use Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle to support your mental health journey?
Start Small and Realistic
You don’t need to summit a 14er or bike 30 miles. A 15-minute walk around your neighborhood counts. Sitting on your porch with morning coffee counts. Taking your lunch break outside counts.
The goal is regular, sustainable connection with the outdoors—not heroic adventures (unless that’s your thing).
Match Activities to Your Current State
Having a high-energy day? Maybe that’s the time for a challenging hike. Feeling low or anxious? A gentle walk or simply sitting by water might be more appropriate.
The outdoors offers options for every energy level and emotional state. You don’t have to push yourself—you can let nature meet you where you are.
Make It Social (Or Not)
Some people recharge by being outdoors with friends. Others need solo time in nature. Both are valuable. Pay attention to what you need and honor it.
Use Outdoor Time as Part of Your Treatment Plan
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we often talk with patients about incorporating outdoor activity into their overall treatment approach. It’s not a replacement for medication or therapy when those are needed, but it’s a powerful complement.
Think of it as part of your wellness toolkit alongside other interventions. Getting outside regularly can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and support your overall progress.
Embrace All Seasons
Colorado gives you distinct seasons, each with its own gifts. Summer hikes, fall colors, winter snowshoeing, spring wildflowers—there’s always something to experience.
Don’t hibernate all winter. Bundle up and get outside, even briefly. That sunshine and fresh air matter year-round.
It’s Right Outside Your Door
One of the privileges of living in Colorado is having this incredible resource for mental health literally right outside your door. The mountains, trails, parks, and open spaces aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’re powerful tools for healing and wellness.
Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, or simply want to maintain good mental health, Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle offers support that complements clinical treatment beautifully.
So lace up those hiking boots, grab your bike, or simply step outside and take a deep breath of that mountain air. Your mental health will thank you.
