A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration discovered that as many as 90 percent of people who need rehab for drugs do not receive it. Addiction and substance abuse are major problems in the US. Treatment programs take various forms to help combat this disease. Nature therapy, often known as ecotherapy, helps people manage their symptoms in a holistic way. We regularly turn to nature to boost our mood even without addiction, so what exactly is nature therapy?
Our Deeply Rooted Tie to Nature
As human beings, we crave a connection with nature but frequently ignore it. Our modern, technology-obsessed world often chooses to turn its back on Mother Nature. Whether it’s a walk in the park, camping trip or visiting a cabin in the woods, spending quality time in nature is essential for our core well-being. Even a short time in fresh air restores mental and physical health and helps to build up stamina for recovery. Being in the outdoors also teaches us to learn new skills, such as building fires, fishing or climbing. This naturally leads us to foster a sense of achievement and greater self-esteem.
Confronting Your Challenges with Nature Therapy
It is generally acknowledged that outdoor exercise is more beneficial than exercising indoors when trying to reduce depression and anxiety. Being outdoors elicits a heightened a sense of awareness of our natural surroundings by encouraging deeper connections with our thoughts and feelings. Activities used in nature therapy often represent situations that are reflective of the challenges we face in the real world. Team building experiences, for example, offer parallels with difficulties we may have encountered. They offer a platform to talk openly about one’s past problems.
Other Benefits of Being in Nature
For people struggling with addiction, participating in nature therapy can help to heal the mind and spirit. With the help of the trees, streams, rocks, dirt and wildlife, people can learn how to live a more health-minded and balanced life. While there is no one cause of addiction, spending time in quiet reflection can give a person a greater sense of self-awareness and reduce stress levels. Nature therapy helps facilitate personal growth and overall wellness.
Being in recovery and having temptations all around can be frustrating and difficult for most people, but nature therapy can help. Even in an urban environment, spending time outdoors and being reflective in your surroundings can go a long way to strengthening your resolve and inner healing.
Photo courtesy of Charl van Rooy on Unsplash
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