He notes too that you don’t need to “climb a summit or run a marathon” to feel the positive effects of the outdoors. The outdoors preceded us as humans, and will ultimately succeed us. “There’s a connectivity that exists between all living things that’s inherent and undeniable. “Taking in the peace and the balance that nature exudes allows us to reframe our own thinking in a way that feels clearer, more productive, and more positive,” Spector says. And hiking and backpacking have been known to be therapeutic for chemo patients coping with breast cancer. Trail running has been credited with helping others overcome addiction. Fly fishing, for example, has helped some mental health patients navigate depression and anxiety. The benefits can be reaped in numerous ways. In addition to increasing happiness, spending time in these environments has been shown to improve cognitive function and brain health. “While many others create products for similar activities and end uses, we’ve always respected how Columbia has organically grown its audience by focusing on quality for everyone, from Olympians to everyday people.”Įxamples of this inclusivity have included creating plus-size ski gear, increasing body positivity in outdoor spaces, promoting accessible hiking, offering storytelling platforms for LGBTQIA+ adventurers, supporting BIPOC efforts to reclaim outdoor spaces, and partnering with groups to encourage diversity and community building in the outdoors.Īccording to the American Psychological Association, the mental health benefits of being outside are well documented, particularly in green and blue spaces. “They stand as a true symbol of accessibility in the outdoor space,” Spector said. Spector explained that the decision to partner with Columbia was born out of respect for the company’s dedication to inclusivity-another tenet of Madhappy’s philosophy. The soon to be released November ’22 iteration of the Outdoors Collection will offer a new selection of winter hats, jackets, accessories, and other gear. In addition to spreading knowledge, a portion of sales-like all Madhappy apparel-benefits The Madhappy Foundation, an affiliated nonprofit organization aimed at advancing global mental health efforts. This year, Madhappy launched a line of outdoor apparel called Madhappy Outdoors in collaboration with Columbia Sportswear, focusing on bringing awareness to the subject of mental health. Written content isn’t the only way the brand is connecting mental health to the outdoors. It’s the most inclusive and accessible entity that we have.” It’s one of the only things in this life that unites every individual living thing. “They offer a common ground for all people and a place of solace for all of humankind. “The outdoors and mental health share so much in common as equalizers,” Spector says. Some guest columns feature outdoor athletes like Olympic skier Alex Ferreira, who wrote about the highs and lows of his sport in “On the Beauty and Pain of Competition.” An article titled “How Cold Weather Impacts Our Mood,” for example, encourages people to get outside more in wintertime, while “The Healthy Amount of Stress” lists healthy coping mechanisms, like going on a walk, exercising, and spending time outdoors. This is something that I always feel clarity on when I’m able to escape the indoors for the outdoors.”Īmong other topics, the content on Madhappy's Local Optimist website touches on the outdoor connection in a variety of ways. “Our challenges, while they still exist, are all part of a larger plan to teach us something. When we’re able to take even a brief step outside, it allows us to ground ourselves and remind ourselves that we are part of a bigger universe. “It’s so easy to feel caught up in our own thoughts, fears, and anxieties. “Getting outside is a direct way to get out of your own head,” explains Madhappy Cofounder Mason Spector.
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