Benefits of Being in Nature for Recovery

Taking just one evening walk through a beautiful forest, down a peaceful country lane, or even in your own backyard can give you a preview of the healing properties of nature. Getting back in tune with nature and the beauties of this world can help remind you what you should preserve your life for.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a dangerous and all-encompassing mental health disorder that can negatively affect your health, mental well-being, and even cost you your life. When suffering from SUD, you should receive professional treatment to heal from this illness. Experiencing nature and fresh air can aid in the healing process as well. Being in nature will relieve stress and allow you to focus on recovery.

Here are the many ways nature can help you heal in recovery from drug or alcohol use disorder.

Nature Makes You Happy

According to the National Library of Medicine, time spent outside observing and appreciating nature has been associated with happiness, wellbeing, and a sense of purpose. Spending time in nature not only promotes happiness, but it also decreases mental distress.

When most of the workday is spent inside, it is important to relieve some mid-day stress or regain some energy by stepping outside and feeling the fresh breeze and sunshine. The sun’s rays have been connected to increased mood and will give you a second wave of energy and motivation for the day.

Nature Promotes Health

Ultraviolet B rays of the sun contain vitamin D. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it absorbs vitamin D3. This vitamin will boost immunity, improve mood, heart function, help in bone growth and strength, and reduce inflammation. It is in humans’ genetic code to seek wildlife. Be it trees, freshwater, or a natural food source, being in the presence of these things will promote a release of tension in your body.

Even though it can be quite difficult to spend time in nature when experiencing the symptoms of a co-occurring disorder or SUD, even resting outside in the sun can be recharging and beneficial to overall health.

Be Present in Nature

Practicing mindfulness, or paying close attention to what the body and mind are feeling in the present state, can be easier said than done. Being in nature will help the mind and body to be more alert. This can make it easier to remain present, which will allow you to become more mindful and in control of your behaviors.

Spending time observing and appreciating nature will help you enjoy and honor the world you live in. Beautiful cliff faces, mountain valleys, and unique wildlife can spark the wonder and gratitude that will motivate you to continue your hard work in recovery.  It will give you a sense of meaningfulness, and restore your attitude.

How to Enjoy the Outdoors in Recovery

When you begin recovery from drug or alcohol use disorder, you may become aware of all the free time you have now that you are not drinking or using drugs. Finding ways to fill this time will help fight boredom and reduce drug cravings as well.

As mentioned above, spending time in nature has been shown to increase mood and overall health. Finding fun ways to spend time outside will create great memories in recovery and restore energy.

Here are some fun, sober activities that can attribute to your love of the outdoors:

• Hiking
• Biking
• Skiing
• Fishing
• Outdoor games and sports like bean bag toss, croquet, soccer, basketball, flag football, golf
• Horseback riding
• Gardening

Participating in activities like these will help you feel refreshed and will contribute to a great night’s sleep. Remember to pace yourself, and not do too much too quickly to avoid wearing yourself out.

Receive Treatment in Nature at Healing Pines Recovery

Healing Pines Recovery is an addiction treatment center located on 40 expansive acres in the beautiful and rural Elizabeth, Colorado. Our facility is leading in dual diagnosis treatment, meaning both your body and mind will be treated for substance use and co-occurring disorders in a safe, beautiful environment.

Healing Pines Recovery utilizes physical fitness, animal therapy, yoga, and outdoor experiential therapy to treat you with a whole-person approach. We certainly take advantage of our acreage by housing animals and allowing you to explore the beautiful nature that surrounds our facility.

By housing only 8 men at a time at our residential treatment facility, you will have full access to the beautiful nature that surrounds us as well as the treatment from our doctorate and master level clinicians. Know that with us, you are in good hands.

Enjoying and appreciating the beautiful scenes of nature that this earth has to offer can restore energy, positive thinking, and a sense of purpose. All of these factors play a large role in maintaining recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders.

For those seeking addiction treatment in a natural setting, Healing Pines Recovery in Elizabeth, Colorado, will provide them with a 40-acre facility that provides care to the men in the Denver and Colorado Springs area. Our facility houses animals and provides expansive views in a quiet, rural environment. By utilizing dual-diagnosis, our master and doctorate-level clinicians will work with our small group of clients in private and in groups to treat the symptoms of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder and in need of individualized, boutique-style care, call Healing Pines Recovery today at 720-575-2621.