The Quiet Power of the Outdoors: How Nature Nurtures Our Wellbeing

For many of us in Colorado, the rhythm of life is intertwined with the natural world—and this becomes even more profound in the summer months, when the days stretch long and the sunshine is abundant. Whether it’s biking up mountain trails, hiking to Rifle Falls, paddling across a calm alpine lake, or simply savoring the quiet beauty of the Roaring Fork River’s edge, nature is more than a backdrop—it’s a lifeline.

Emerging research supports what many already know intuitively: being in nature reduces stress hormones like cortisol, helps refocus our attention, and fosters a sense of meaning and belonging. A 2025 article from the American Psychological Association notes that exposure to green and blue spaces—like parks, forests, rivers, and oceans—is linked to improved mood, reduced stress, better attention, and even increased empathy.

“Nature offers us an affordable, accessible way to care for ourselves,” says Gabby Beaudoin, MSW, Behavioral Health Advocate at Silt Family Practice. “You don’t need fancy gear or a full afternoon. Step outside barefoot in the grass, visit your local park during your lunch break, or catch pink and blue sunsets on an evening walk. These small moments, repeated, can create a huge impact.”

“Regular exposure to the outdoors supports physical health in many ways,” says Dr. Juliana Oliveira, a board-certified family medicine physician at Silt Family Practice. “From lowering blood pressure to improving immune function and encouraging consistent physical activity, nature offers one of the most accessible forms of preventive medicine.”

Gabby recommends several simple ways to reconnect with nature to nurture wellbeing, especially for those who feel disconnected or overwhelmed. “Take some deep breaths while looking up at the sky... Notice how the wind shakes the leaves outside your window. Sit by the river and just listen.”

For Gabby, these moments aren’t just anecdotal—they’re central to her wellness philosophy. “When I feel stressed or stuck, stepping outside reminds me that I’m part of something bigger. Hearing the birds chirping in the trees or breathing in the smell of summer rain grounds me unlike anything else.”

She acknowledges that the hardest part can be getting started. “Even sitting on your front step for five minutes can become a turning point. Once it becomes a habit, those quiet moments add up,” she says.

If you're feeling low or overwhelmed, know that support is always within reach. Call your primary care provider or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You matter, and help is here.

For more information on Silt Family Practice, call 970.876.5700 or visit https://www.vvh.org/silt-family-practice.