Outdoors as a Health Solution

Overview

Across the United States, the connection between nature and human health is becoming clearer. From physical activity to mental well-being, time spent outdoors supports healthier lives at every age. Yet, many communities face significant barriers to regular, safe access to nature – from lack of green space to policy blind spots. Spending time outdoors is a critical health behavior. Access to the outdoors offers countless health benefits across all ages, activities, and regions. Some of these benefits include improved cognitive function, reduced stress and anger, increased physical activity, and better relationship-building in children. However, most Americans currently spend very little time outside, with communities of color and low-income populations far more likely to live in neighborhoods with little to no access to nature. The goal of this briefing book is to provide practical examples and insights that can help integrate nature into public health, education, planning, and environmental policy in a realistic and accessible way. It shares real-world case studies, summarizes relevant research, and outlines policy tools that local and state governments are already using to improve community health through nature. While the examples included range from early childhood to older adults, the throughline is consistent: outdoor access supports health, resilience, and equity. And it can be advanced through practical, bipartisan strategies.