The Benefits of Getting Outside
Finding a path to healing can feel overwhelming, especially for Veterans who have compounded mental and physical issues stemming from service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, one powerful, often-overlooked tool is right outside: nature.
Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that boosts mood, promotes calm, and helps improve focus. Even 15–20 minutes of sunlight a day can have a noticeable impact and can regulate melatonin production, the hormone that controls sleep cycles.
U.S. Navy Veteran Mike and Boot Campaign Health & Wellness Program participant shared that getting outside and taking in a sunrise each day was one of the most simple, yet fundamental practices he learned. When his coach asked him when was the last time he saw a sunrise, he couldn’t remember and was tasked to take in the sunrise for three days in a row. He shared, “It was a complete reset of my most simple biological functions.”
Movement + Fresh Air
Being outside encourages low-impact movement—walking, hiking, stretching, or even just breathing deeper in fresh air. These movements can ease chronic pain, release endorphins, and help you reconnect with your body without the pressure of a gym or structured workout.
As U.S. Army Veteran Scott noted, “Before completing the Health & Wellness Program, every morning was miserable. I really couldn’t start my day until I had a drink just to not feel so awful, but now I’m getting up at 4:30am and taking a 45 minute walk before I start my day! That never would have happened without Boot Campaign in my life.”
Peace in Nature
Kyle, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, noted that “before Boot Campaign I was running off stress and cortisol. Now I’m running off love and peace.”
Time spent outside and in nature has been shown to lower cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone), slow the heart rate, and reduce blood pressure. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, sitting by a river, or working in a garden, nature gently guides the body out of fight-or-flight mode
Start Small. Start Today.
Step outside. Feel the sun on your face. Listen to the wind in the trees. Sometimes, healing can begin with a simple breath of fresh air.
