How Outdoor Activities Can Improve Veteran Mental Health

Published on February 25, 2025 

Many veterans face mental health challenges after transitioning from military service to civilian life. The shift can be difficult, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. While therapy and medication can play essential roles in managing these conditions, outdoor activities offer an additional, natural way to improve mental well-being. 

Spending time outside, engaging in physical movement, and connecting with others can reduce stress, boost mood, and create a sense of purpose. Whether through hiking, fishing, or boating, veterans can find healing and relief in nature. Let’s explore how outdoor activities positively impact mental health and why they should be a part of every veteran’s wellness routine. 

The Psychological Benefits of Nature Exposure 

Stepping outside and surrounding oneself with nature has immediate mental health benefits. Studies show that time outdoors can lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and increase feelings of relaxation. Natural environments provide a sense of tranquility that helps clear the mind and improve emotional stability. 

For veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, spending time outdoors offers a healthy escape. Nature promotes mindfulness, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on past experiences or future worries. Engaging the senses in a natural setting—listening to birds, feeling the breeze, and watching the movement of water—can have a calming effect that improves overall well-being. 

In addition to reducing stress, time in nature has been linked to improved sleep patterns and increased cognitive function. Many veterans who struggle with insomnia find that regular exposure to natural light helps regulate their circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep quality. This, in turn, enhances emotional resilience and overall mental clarity. 

Outdoor Exercise and Mental Resilience 

Physical activity is a proven way to enhance mental health, and when combined with outdoor settings, the benefits multiply. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, which naturally boost mood and combat depression. Veterans who engage in hiking, running, cycling, or kayaking often experience improved mental clarity and reduced stress. 

Unlike indoor workouts, outdoor exercise provides additional stimulation. The variety in terrain and surroundings creates an engaging experience that prevents boredom and increases motivation. Activities like rock climbing and trail running challenge both the body and mind, fostering mental resilience and confidence. 

Another major advantage of outdoor exercise is its role in reducing feelings of isolation. Many veterans who struggle with loneliness can benefit from participating in group activities like outdoor fitness classes, team sports, or guided adventure trips. These social interactions create a support system, encouraging long-term engagement in physical wellness and mental health improvement. 

Social Connection Through Outdoor Activities 

Many veterans struggle with feelings of isolation after military service. Outdoor activities offer an excellent opportunity to reconnect with others and build new social bonds. Group activities, such as team sports, fishing trips, and community hikes, create a sense of camaraderie similar to what was experienced in the military. 

Social connection is essential for maintaining good mental health. It reduces loneliness, builds support networks, and provides shared experiences that strengthen emotional well-being. Veterans who participate in group outdoor activities often find themselves feeling more supported, understood, and valued. 

Beyond structured events, simply spending time in a public park, community garden, or local nature reserve can lead to organic social interactions. Many veterans have found lifelong friendships through shared outdoor experiences, reinforcing the importance of consistent engagement with nature-based activities. 

Fishing and Boating as Therapeutic Activities 

For many veterans, fishing and boating provide a sense of peace and relaxation that is hard to find elsewhere. These activities encourage patience, focus, and mindfulness—qualities that help manage stress and anxiety. 

Being on the water has a naturally calming effect, reducing mental tension and promoting clarity. The rhythmic motion of waves and the sound of water create an ideal setting for reflection and relaxation. Additionally, fishing requires concentration, offering a form of meditative engagement that helps veterans shift their focus away from daily struggles. 

Another unique benefit of fishing and boating is their ability to restore a sense of control and independence. Many veterans experience feelings of helplessness after leaving the structured environment of the military. Activities that require decision-making, skill-building, and patience can help restore confidence and provide a renewed sense of purpose. 

Hiking and Camping: Finding Purpose in Nature 

Hiking and camping offer veterans a chance to disconnect from technology, embrace simplicity, and reconnect with nature. These activities promote self-reliance and problem-solving, which can increase confidence and personal growth. 

Hiking provides a structured challenge—reaching a summit or completing a trail fosters a sense of accomplishment. Camping, on the other hand, encourages self-sufficiency and appreciation for the basics, helping to reset priorities and gain perspective on life’s challenges. 

Both activities provide an escape from the stressors of daily life, allowing veterans to reset mentally and emotionally. The act of setting up a tent, cooking over a fire, and navigating the wilderness can reignite a sense of competence and adaptability that many veterans miss after service. 

Additionally, hiking and camping allow veterans to explore new locations, experience different landscapes, and challenge themselves physically. These experiences can instill a sense of adventure and combat the monotony of daily routines, making them a highly recommended form of outdoor therapy. 

Gardening and Green Therapy for Mental Clarity 

Gardening, often referred to as green therapy, is another effective way to improve mental health. Planting, watering, and nurturing plants provide a sense of responsibility and achievement. Veterans who take up gardening often report reduced anxiety, improved mood, and greater emotional balance. 

Gardening allows for a connection with growth and renewal, which can be particularly meaningful for those struggling with mental health challenges. It also creates a peaceful environment, fostering patience and mindfulness. 

Beyond personal gardening, many veterans find joy in community garden projects where they can contribute to a shared goal while forming bonds with other participants. These initiatives create spaces where veterans can work alongside others, grow fresh produce, and engage in an activity that provides both physical and mental benefits. 

Incorporating Outdoor Activities Into a Wellness Routine 

The benefits of outdoor activities become most effective when practiced regularly. Veterans can start by incorporating small changes into their routines, such as morning walks, weekend fishing trips, or community gardening projects. Setting goals and sticking to a schedule can help make these activities a long-term part of a healthier lifestyle. 

For those who may not know where to start, veteran support organizations and community groups often organize outdoor events designed specifically for veterans. Finding a local hiking group, fishing club, or sports team can be a great way to stay engaged and motivated. 

Outdoor activities provide tangible mental health benefits, from reducing stress and improving mood to fostering social connections and promoting mindfulness. Veterans seeking relief from anxiety, PTSD, or depression can find solace in nature and physical movement. 

At The American Foundation for Life Challenges and Cures, we are committed to helping veterans find support, purpose, and healing through outdoor activities. If you or a veteran you know could benefit from recreational therapy or community support, reach out to us today. Call us at (504) 205-0081 ot email us at [email protected]. Take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life—nature is waiting.