Outdoorphins — why you want them

In my New England college town, there is one reliable indicator of spring: once it hits 50+ degrees, college kids will be out sunning in bathing suits like it’s the French Riviera. I don’t think it’s specific to this town, but it does seem specific to college kids — a collegiate circadian clothing-shedding impulse?

The urge to get outside when spring approaches is pretty universal. I recently came across a word for what nature elicits in our bodies, and it perfectly captures the euphoria of these first warmish sunny days: outdoorphins.

We could use a word for the mechanism by which time in nature improves our minds, moods, and physiology. Many of the impacts have been quantified in scientific studies: lower stress, better focus, more positive emotions, stronger immunity, higher self-esteem, improved cognitive function, and numerous other benefits that range from physical and mental health to inter-personal dynamics.

My hunch is that a lot of these benefits come from what is happening on an energetic level. Taking a break from all of the energetic "noise" of the human world — including what we experience just from being inside or in any human-designed and dominated environment — to engage with trees, water, birds, bugs, rocks, dirt, and plants gives our system profound relief. On one level the exposure to different energetic frequencies expands and enriches our sensory system, and on a visceral level we are comforted by the reminder of our deep connection to all of the features and creatures of this planet. That in itself is uplifting, relieving, and healing.

To make the most of time spent out in nature, try opening up to all of the sensory information available. Have you had an exchange with your local stream lately? Or the towering oak down the street? Take some time to tune in with intention — switch your inner antenna to the "nature channel" and notice what you hear/see/feel/know.