Colder weather doesn’t have to turn you into a couch potato. And, in fact, a little time spent outdoors can have big benefits on your mental health and outlook and recovery goals. Nature is not only a natural stress killer – just think about how good you feel after taking a deep breath of clean, crisp air – but it’s also been linked to better sleep and more.
Here’s a look at a few more ways heading outdoors can help your recovery:
You’ll feel more positive. Whether you admire the colorful leafs or mist of snow on a naked branch, a stroll through nature can help you tap into feelings of awe and tame negative and obsessive thoughts.
You’ll have a brighter outlook. This is especially true if you exercise in an outdoor setting, which can shore up your emotional resilience and protect against depression, anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
You’ll have increased focus. Spending time in natural settings has been shown to replenish your ability to direct your attention, so it will be easier to focus on the recovery goals and projects that really matter.
You’ll strengthen your relationships. Grab a close friend or group of recovery peers and head outdoors for a morning stroll in the park or long hike. Just being in a natural setting can boost your relationships and, with the warmth of flowing conversation, you’ll likely forget about the chill in the air.
Here are a few more fun fall activities to help you spend more time outdoors:
Rake some leaves and jump in them.
Take a long hike and soak up the sunshine.
Play a pickup game of flag football or soccer.
Go for a brisk walk, bike ride or jog.
Head to your local farmer’s market.
Breathe in the Colorado AirAt NorthStar, we work with our clients to develop healthy habits and routines that can continue to be used long after discharge from drug or alcohol abuse treatment. To learn about our addiction services, call today: 303-625-6335.
