Embracing the Outdoors This Fall: A Parent’s Guide to Mental & Physical Wellness
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall offers families a perfect opportunity to reconnect—with each other, with nature, and with themselves. As both a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and a family nurse practitioner (FNP), I see firsthand how the seasons influence both mental and physical health. This fall, one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for wellness is spending time outside.
Why the Outdoors Matters
Research shows that being outdoors reduces stress, boosts mood, and improves focus for both children and adults. The combination of sunlight, fresh air, and physical activity stimulates serotonin and dopamine—our “feel-good” brain chemicals.
From a mental health perspective, outdoor play supports resilience, emotional regulation, and creativity. From a physical health perspective, it encourages movement, strengthens immunity, and helps build healthy habits early in life.
Fall-Specific Benefits
Fall is uniquely suited for outdoor family time:
Comfortable weather – Cooler temperatures make physical activity more enjoyable.
Natural beauty – Changing leaves, harvest fields, and migrating wildlife provide endless opportunities for wonder.
Sunlight exposure – Shorter days are coming, so spending time outside now helps support vitamin D levels, circadian rhythms, and energy.
Ideas for Families
Here are a few easy ways to make outdoor time part of your family’s fall routine:
Family walks: Take an evening stroll after dinner to wind down together.
Leaf hunts: Let kids collect colorful leaves, then use them for art projects at home.
Outdoor sports: Kick a soccer ball, play catch, or simply run around at a park.
Weekend outings: Visit a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or hiking trail.
Mindful moments: Pause together to listen to the crunch of leaves, feel the breeze, and take a few deep breaths.
Supporting Parent Wellness
Time outdoors isn’t just for your children—it’s for you, too. Fresh air and gentle activity can reduce feelings of overwhelm, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and provide a mental reset. Parents who care for their own well-being model healthy coping and self-care for their kids.
A Gentle Reminder
As the days grow shorter, it’s common for mood or energy shifts to appear. If you or your child experience persistent sadness, irritability, fatigue, or loss of interest in activities, it may be more than just the seasonal change. As both an FNP and PMHNP, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted healthcare provider for support.