Numerous studies confirm what many people know to be inherently true: spending time outdoors feels good! A 2021 study found that exposure to green space can help reduce pain, stress, and impulsive decision making, all factors associated with substance use disorders. Many recovery centers incorporate nature into treatment programs, as it is often seen as a crucial component of recovery.
Getting started doesn’t have to be hard. Connecting with nature doesn’t have to mean climbing a mountain, it can be as easy as sitting under a shady tree at the local park, or admiring flowers growing in a neighbor’s garden. Spending time in nature can be a small but effective step to incorporate into your recovery plan.
Explore: Read this article to learn more about how exposure to nature helps with addiction and cravings
Watch: Hear Dax Justin,, a Canadian photographer and explorer, share his story about how connecting with nature helped him combat addiction and take control of his life
Practice: Ready to see for yourself? When it comes to connecting with nature, the world is your oyster! Want to stay close to home? Try going for a nature walk in a new neighborhood, or a part of town you don’t typically explore. Want to get away?
Check out the Iowa All T rails website to find a natural spot near you! Or, try journaling about some of these topics to get your thoughts going!
- What is your favorite season? Why?
- If you were a part of nature, what element would you be? Why?
- When you go outside, which of your senses are you most thankful to have?
- If you could experience any new part of nature, which one would you choose? Why?
- What is your favorite place outside to explore?
- What is your favorite time of day to be outside? What do you like about it?
- Write about your favorite thing that lives outside. It can be a flower, an animal, a vegetable, etc.