The symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD) impact mood, behavior, emotional stability, and overall health. Spending time outside during rehabilitation increases the effectiveness of therapy and other treatments. According to Health and Place, “[S]pending time in outdoor environments reduces the experience of stress and improves health.” Rancho Recovery offers many treatment options and services. The treatment center is located in a beautiful area where clients can access sprawling foothills and nature trails. Clients spend time outside in treatment to reduce stress and enjoy healthy activities.
Spending Time Outside in Treatment Rejuvenates the Mind, Body, and Soul
Chronic substance abuse affects your mind, body, and spirit. Spending time in nature can help heal some of the emotional and physical damage caused by prolonged substance abuse or co-occurring mental health issues. According to the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, “[S]pending time in nature is in itself a rewarding experience . . . exposure to nature has been linked to a number of positives outcomes, including improvements in cognitive function and increased overall physical and psychological well-being.” Most people enjoy outdoor activities in their everyday lives, including walking, biking, socializing, or playing with pets. Any outdoor activity can improve your physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Some of the ways people spend time outdoors during detox, residential, or outpatient treatment include:
- Adventure therapy
- Peer and community activities
- Solo or group nature walks
- Hiking, biking, swimming, or mountain climbing
Activities during detox and early recovery are often low-stress and may build into more complex aerobic exercises as the body heals. Yoga, walking, and nature meditation are a few outdoor activities you can use to reduce stress and strengthen the body. Rancho Recovery encourages clients to take advantage of the sprawling natural setting to engage in healthy activities alone or with peers and support staff.
Spending Time in Nature Positively Impacts Your Mental Health
Many people find observing or interacting with nature calming and restorative. Researchers have reported even the primary colors of nature – green and blue – have a healing effect on the body. According to the United States Forest Service (FS), “Studies also show that being outside in nature is relaxing, reducing our stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension and heart rates.” People recovering from withdrawal and SUD often experience body aches, high stress, anxiety, and increased blood pressure as their body relearns how to regulate without the addictive substance. Spending time in nature reduces symptoms related to SUD. Even after completing treatment, you can still benefit from spending several hours a week outdoors doing enjoyable activities.
Does Spending Time Outside in Treatment Help With Addiction Recovery?
Healing from the effects of addiction takes time. Many different treatments can help you recover more quickly and build resilience, including spending time outside during treatment. The change of scenery, exposure to nature, and physical activity all improve mental health.
Many people choose to spend more time outdoors during treatment to do the following:
- Practice meditation or mindfulness techniques
- Improve physical health
- Reduce symptoms related to withdrawal or mental health disorders
- Improve mood and positivity
- Enjoy outdoor activities with others
Addiction impacts stress tolerance and may make it difficult for you to feel relaxed or engaged during detox and early recovery. Physical activity and spending time in nature reduce stress. Even a short period of time can have a significant positive effect on mental health. According to Environmental Science and Technology, people begin to notice positive mental health benefits after spending five minutes in nature. In addition, “[V]iewing nature scenes may encourage future healthy stress responses and recovery patterns and could act as a vital tool in preventive health.” The brain may recover more quickly from the damage caused by addiction if you spend time outdoors improving your physical and mental health.
Rancho Recovery Provides Opportunities for Clients to Spend Time Outside in Treatment
Some forms of therapy, including adventure therapy, offer clients a chance to spend time outdoors with peers and the care team. In addition, you can choose to practice yoga or other physical activities outdoors during personal time. Rancho Recovery is surrounded by gorgeous areas where you can relax and soak in the serenity of nature. The care team limits when and where clients can go during certain stages of early recovery to ensure the client’s safety and accountability. However, clients can spend their free time outdoors exploring new healthy activities.
Incorporating Outdoor Activities Into Personalized Care Plans
Rancho Recovery offers personalized care plans to ensure treatments and services are tailored to each client’s unique needs and preferences. You can personalize your free time by informing the care team of any outdoor interests you may have, including hiking or exercising. The clinical team accommodates clients’ preferences and incorporates them into the care plan whenever possible. The clinical team understands people are more likely to engage and actively participate in treatment if they feel heard, understood, and respected. Rancho Recovery offers clients multiple treatment services and leisure activities.
Spending time in nature has a healing effect on the mind and body. Research has proven people who regularly engage in outdoor activities have better general health during recovery from substance abuse. Natural settings provide people with a quiet and meditative space where they can spend time alone or with others. Outdoor activities like walking, biking, or exercising significantly improve mental health and keep people focused on creating healthy routines. Clients often take advantage of outdoor activities during treatment and continuing care. Rancho Recovery provides aftercare planning and alumni services to support clients’ continued growth and health in early recovery. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (877) 484-1447.