How You Can Reduce Outdoor Space Anxiety

Outdoor space anxiety sounds like a strange issue, but it is very real for many people, and it can be debilitating and lead to numerous health problems. Because of this, you can benefit from going outside and into nature, even if it is to get a few minutes of fresh air. But how can you reduce the overall anxiety of the outdoors? From gradually increasing your exposure to the natural world to controlled breathing and meditation, here are some healthy suggestions.

Literally Build a Stable Foundation

There’s nothing like a literal stable foundation when you want to reduce anxiety. If you feel anxious even in your own backyard, a foundation can help stabilize the mind when you know the ground beneath you is also stable. Working subconsciously, additions like shed bases can help create a sense of order that quietly reduces the stress you can feel on uneven ground. This is a small but powerful method of removing the subtle anxiety of things feeling temporary.

Gradually Increase Exposure

One of the most commonly practiced methods of reducing anxiety about something is exposure therapy. This can be highly beneficial when it comes to getting outside more to curb the symptoms of eco-anxiety today. However, it is essential that you start small and increase your exposure, or it will be overwhelming. You can begin by simply standing at your doorstep and observing the backyard. From there, step outside or take a short walk, even in a public park.

Reduce Outdoor Space Anxiety with Grounding

Nature as therapy isn’t anything new, but holding yourself back from being outdoors can cause a number of issues, including poor respiration, social isolation, and a feeling of loneliness.   However, grounding is a popular wellness trend today, and involves barefoot exposure to the ground. Combined with mindful walking, all you need is about 15 to 20 minutes per day to feel the benefits of nature, including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving focus. 

Breathing, Tapping, and Meditation

One of the most effective methods of reducing anxiety is controlled breathing, which can help you stay in control before becoming overwhelmed. This works for stress, anger, and pressure situations, and is powerful combined with other methods such as tapping and meditation. When you feel panicked, inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven, and exhale for eight. While doing this, you can control your emotions with rhythmic tapping on your legs, arms, or hands.

Create a Bag of Personal Needs

Sometimes you need safety anchors when in a state of increased anxiety, and these can be powerful ways of dealing with exposure to outdoor spaces that increase your stress. Creating a comfort bag to help with anxiety provides you with a safety net that you can use immediately in any situation. For example, you can stock it with medication, aromatherapy products, and calming drinks such as CBD, which can help when in a situation where anxiety increases.

Summary

Building a stable foundation in your garden can reduce outdoor space anxiety caused by the stress of being on uneven ground. Exposing yourself to nature through grounding and walking also comes with health benefits, and it can help to create a comfort bag to help with anxiety.