Connect With Nature
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 Trails 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.
Get Active
Care for your body to stay healthy now! Try these easy tips to incorporate physical activity in your daily routine, and promote your path to recovery.
Connect with Your Community
No one is on the path to recovery alone. Consider joining a group of like-minded individuals for social connection and recovery support.
Develop a Budget
Many people find that their personal finances look different in recovery. Try developing a budget to help your financial wellbeing.
Promote Self-Learning
When you start on your recovery journey, it can feel like there’s so much to learn. Try some of the self-guided learning tips to learn how substance use affects your body and brain.
Take Time for Mindfulness
In today’s world, it can be hard to take a moment to yourself. Mindfulness and meditation can help you develop a reflective mindset, and promote recovery.
Connect with Nature
Spending time in nature can help you feel relaxed and clear your mind. Take a moment to connect with the natural world around you.
Think of how you feel when you interact with nature.
Practice Gratitude
Take time each day to reflect through a gratitude mindset. Do this for just a few minutes each day, and, over time, you'll feel calmer, and more connected to the things that matter most.
Spend Time
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to make social connections and learn new skills, all while promoting your path to sustained recovery.
Strive for Good Sleep
Without sleep, we cannot make effective decisions about our lives and the world around us. To promote your recovery mindset, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.