The iconic physicist Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” This is an interesting quote coming from someone who spent most of his life indoors solving equations. But he has it right, and it is emblematic of how nature can help someone struggling with a dual diagnosis recover both at the moment and in the long term.
The Benefits of Nature for Overall Well-Being
There is little argument that nature can do wonders for our physical, mental, and emotional health. According to the National Park Service, “5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation. Frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression, while promoting a sense of wellbeing and fulfillment.” Also, “Physical activity in a green space can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels by 15%.”
There are also many other benefits. These benefits include:
- Improved cognitive functioning
- Helps with cardiovascular health
- Can reduce the urges to drink or use substances (relapse prevention)
- An essential coping tool for those with mental illness
- Makes people more productive
- Aids in communication
- Can bring about spiritual experiences
- Offers a daily reprieve from the stressors of work and school
As one can see, these benefits can life-altering. They can be particularly beneficial for people struggling with dual diagnosis.
Value of Connecting With Nature in Treatment for a Dual Diagnosis
Many people may not realize just how prevalent dual diagnosis is in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders… Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses” and “Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.”
Many of these individuals can benefit from connecting with nature. In treatment, this natural connection is more than simply taking a walk in the park. It involves serious introspection and work with a certified therapist. This is referred to as nature immersion therapy.
Better Understanding Nature Immersion Therapy for a Dual Diagnosis
Connecting with nature via nature immersion therapy is an ideal way to recover from dual diagnosis. This is primarily due to the plethora of benefits that it has to offer.
Nature immersion therapy offers a myriad of benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides improvements to physical and psychological well-being, exposure to natural environments has been shown to bring about positive impacts on cognitive functioning.” Also, “While cognitive restoration and physiological well-being are the prominent and renowned benefits of nature exposure, there is one important construct that is often overlooked in environmental psychology research studies – that is, the human-nature relationship; also known as connectedness to nature (CN).”
This “connectedness to nature” can be highly beneficial for individuals in recovery because it also leads to connectedness to others, which is essential. According to the primary text of 12-Step recovery (commonly referred to as the Big Book), If we connect with others, “Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends – this is an experience you must not miss.”
Holistic Healing in Nature for a Dual Diagnosis
There are also other ways to connect to nature. For example, one can connect to nature through gardening or horticulture therapy.
Like nature immersion therapy, horticulture therapy also offers many benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “People’s interactions with plants, through goal-orientated horticultural activities in the form of active gardening, as well as the passive appreciation of nature, could be therapeutic to people with mental disorders in many ways. First, horticulture could have emotional benefits, such as reducing stress, reducing psychiatric symptoms, stabilizing mood, and increasing the sense of tranquility, spirituality, and enjoyment. Second, it could help people to reduce fatigue and restore attention and cognitive ability.”
Another way to connect to nature is by connecting to aquatic spaces. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “According to research, spending time in nature, especially by water, reduces the production of stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, reducing stress and anxiety.” Connecting with nature can truly help heal the whole mind, body, and soul.
Whole Mind-Body-Soul Healing at Rancho Recovery
Albert Einstein also famously said, “There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” At Rancho Recovery, we believe that recovery from dual diagnosis is a miracle. One that should never be squandered.
We heal the mind, body, and soul so we can live the lives that we always desired and always deserved. This can all happen, and more, right here at Rancho Recovery.
When a client struggles with a dual diagnosis, their mind and body are impacted severely. Connecting with nature can help to calm the mind, body, and soul and can positively affect the healing process. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or a dual diagnosis, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information and to learn more about our saltwater pool and gardens as ideal ways to connect with nature in treatment, please reach out to Rancho Recovery today at (877) 484-1447.