THE IMPORTANCE OF THE OUTDOORS IN MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY
When struggling with mental health issues like depression, stress, and anxiety, it’s important to foster healthy behaviors that will help you lead a happy and fulfilled life. One of the easiest changes you can make to your lifestyle is to simply go outdoors on a regular basis and enjoy nature. From stress relief to avoiding triggers or simply benefiting from exercise and fresh air, the great outdoors is an invaluable tool for those too easily trapped in their own racing thoughts. So here are some tips on how to make the most of it, courtesy of The Outdoor Squad.
Giving You A Healthy Outlet
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, a whopping 40 million adults in the U.S. are currently suffering from anxiety disorders. Stress is everywhere these days. Overcoming it isn’t easy. However, embracing nature is a great way to start because going outdoors gives you a chance to get away from the office or whatever other setting is making coping difficult.
Relieving Stress
Stress is a common factor in mental health crises, which is why it is important that people seeking a healthier lifestyle try to manage their stress levels through relaxing activities and behaviors. According to National Geographic, engaging in outdoor pursuits is one of the best things we can do for stress. The link between nature and relaxation has been recorded throughout human history, but it has been scientifically proven in recent decades. Being in nature allows our brains to relax, and removes the overstimulation that is so intrinsically linked to stress in the modern world.
Making You Exercise
You can easily incorporate going outdoors and enjoying nature into a fitness routine, which is an essential part of any recovery plan. There are plenty of exercises you can do that give you the benefit of both exercise and nature such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing and kayaking. These can all do wonders for reducing stress!
Getting You In Touch With Nature
According to the BBC, participants in a 2015 study were challenged to interact with nature every day for 30 days. The study reported that participants made a stronger connection with nature. They also showed an increase in active nature behaviors, such as feeding birds and planting flowers. Regular interaction with nature has been shown to directly help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can help you feel connected to the world around you. During addiction recovery, which can be a difficult and lonely process, this sense of peace and connection can be invaluable.
How To Incorporate Nature Into Your Life
If you have the time and resources to go and spend a few days in a cabin somewhere, that is always a great option. However, if you can’t manage that, then look closer to home. Most cities have some beautiful nature hikes and day trips around them, and you can always just opt for a walk in the park. If you enjoy fishing, think about putting together a small boat, complete with tackle, a trolling motor for smoother control when you’re fishing, and a fishing license. Whatever you choose, find something enjoyable that you’ll want to stick with over the long term.
If you want to stick closer to home, you can also work on making your own backyard a place to savor nature. With the right landscaping, you can bring wildlife to your garden and at the same time, even improve your home's appraisal value!
Engaging with and enjoying nature is a wonderful way to enhance your recovery process. Best of all, it is free and accessible to practically everyone. To get you started, do some research into what the best natural spots around you are, and plan a day out for next weekend. Chances are you will return home feeling refreshed, relaxed and positive about the future.
The Outdoor Squad works with people of ALL AGES and FITNESS LEVELS to provide support, accountability and motivation in a fun bootcamp fitness session. Let us know if you have any questions!