One of the beautiful things about nature is that it’s open to everyone and available all of the time. This is why it’s important to incorporate outdoor time into your daily schedule. Aside from the fact that spending time outdoors is good for you, it also has plenty of benefits for your recovery.
The average American spends 90 percent of their day indoors. Now that you are in recovery, make it a goal to spend at least 20 to 30 minutes each day in the fresh air. Let’s learn more about the benefits of spending time outdoors and some ideas on how to spend your time.
Why Outdoor Time is Essential in Recovery
When you’re recovering from a substance use disorder, your drug rehab in Arizona, will teach you a lot about “balance.” Striking a balance in your life is important because it ensures growth, offers peace of mind and helps you see the bigger picture. Fortunately, nature helps create a balance between your mind, body and spirit.
When you’re actively using drugs or alcohol, you feel disconnected from the world around you. A healthy recovery wakes up your senses and helps you reconnect with nature. It also breaks up your day and passes the time, reducing your risk for relapse. The benefits to spending time outdoors are:
- Reduce stress. Being outdoors lowers your cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. It also gives you a fresh perspective on your problems.
- Improve self-esteem. Building a new identity without drugs or alcohol can feel strange, but nature is a way to build back your self-esteem. Not only will the outdoors boost your mood, but also trying new activities will enhance confidence.
- Prevent loneliness and boredom. Loneliness and boredom are two known relapse triggers. The great outdoors provides endless opportunities for fun and also introduces you to new people.
- Better sleep. Time in nature resets your natural circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep. This is especially helpful in recovery, as insomnia is common. For the best sleep, choose activities that get your heart rate going.
- Restore deficiencies. The sun can help restore low levels of Vitamin D and serotonin. Both Vitamin D and serotonin play a role in mood and energy. When boosted, you’ll feel better mentally and physically.
Outdoor Activities for People in Recovery
Not sure what to do when you’re outdoors? Don’t overthink it because you can pretty much do anything you want! Whether it’s playing sports with others, taking a relaxing hike through the trails or simply meditating in an open field, the outdoors is a canvas for whatever you want to do.
Here are some of the outdoor activities that clients from our treatment center in Arizona enjoy most:
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Stargazing
- Walking or running
- Canoeing or kayaking
- Swimming
- Sports
- Photography
- Apple or berry picking
- Growing a garden
- Weeding and lawn care
Wolf Creek Recovery offers an outdoor therapy program that gives clients the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Our treatment center is conveniently located in picturesque Prescott AZ. With vast forests of Ponderosa pines and crystal clear lakes, this is a unique destination with plenty of activities to enjoy. Contact us,today to learn more about our holistic drug rehab in Arizona.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
