Mental Health Month and the Power of Fresh Air
- charlie4243
- May 5
- 3 min read
As the days grow longer and spring comes into full bloom, there’s a natural shift in how we feel. The weight of winter melts away, and the energy of a greener landscape calls us outdoors. For runners, this change is more than just a welcome break from the treadmill—it’s a seasonal opportunity to reconnect with nature and ourselves.
In racing terms, spring is a new starting line—a natural moment to refresh our routines and kickstart our well-being. So, it’s no surprise that May, with its longer days and blooming scenery, is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. An uplifting and accessible way to support our mental health during this season is by stepping outside for a run. Running can bring powerful benefits, helping to boost mood, reduce stress, and reconnect us with the world around us.
Running in nature engages both the body and mind. Physically, it increases cardiovascular health, improves sleep, and releases endorphins—our natural mood lifters. But the mental health benefits go far beyond just a "runner's high." Outdoor running allows us to shift our perspective, clear mental clutter, and regulate emotions. The natural environment itself plays a major role in reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and enhancing overall feelings of calm.
Spring offers a unique window for these benefits. The fresh air, vibrant greenery, and sunlight all contribute to the biophilia hypothesis—our innate human connection to nature. When we run outside during this season, we tap into that connection in a way that can lift depression, reduce anxiety, and foster mindfulness. The rhythm of our breath and steps, combined with the beauty around us, creates a moving meditation—one that supports mental clarity and emotional balance.
Studies have shown that even 20 minutes of exercise in a natural setting can significantly improve mood and self-esteem. In fact, green exercise (physical activity in nature) has been found to have greater mental health benefits than the same activity indoors. So, as you take your runs outdoors, begin to notice how the sun feels on your skin, how the ground supports you and how your breath syncs with your stride. Let your run be a space for reflection.
Legendary marathoner Deena Kastor put it beautifully when she said:
“Running is a road to self-awareness and reliance—you can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations, or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin beneath your feet.”
Spring can be such a powerful time to lace up your shoes and head outside—not just for fitness, but for healing and renewal.
This May, as we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, consider your runs as more than workouts. They can be rituals of restoration, opportunities for quiet reflection, and a way to tend to your mental health in a world that moves fast and demands much. Mental health isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. And some days, the most therapeutic thing you can do is simply step outside and move forward.
This article originally appeared in The Connection, TCM's weekly e-newsletter. Subscribe here.
Photo by Ben Garvin.
Katie Mark is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who owns On the Mark Therapy, LLC. Katie provides mental health therapy while running and / or walking with her clients in nature. She is one of the team of Motion Experts TCM has gathered to help its subscribers and participants get the most out of their running. You can contact Katie about her private therapy practice at [email protected] .
