Nature has been an integral part of healing practices in many cultures. As noted in the article “Nurtured by Nature” by the American Psychological Association (APA), spending time in nature helps you feel more connected to yourself and the natural world. Therefore, a sense of connectedness in nature can improve your physical and mental wellness. At The Guest House, we know untreated mental health disorders can contribute to a lack of awareness of how unhealthy behaviors can harm you long-term. Thus, therapeutic modalities like adventure therapy can support you in connecting with nature and increase self-awareness for your recovery.
What Is Adventure Therapy?
According to an article from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, adventure therapy is a set of programs or services that use outdoor activities and experiential learning exercises to cope with psychological distress. Moreover, as noted in an article from Evaluation and Program Planning, adventure therapy can be an empowering short-form therapeutic approach with fun and engaging activities that encourages a sense of self-efficacy and mastery over seemingly impossible obstacles.
Adventure Therapy Activities
Listed below are some activities used in adventure therapy to support mental well-being:
- Problem-solving activities
- Rope challenge courses
- Outdoor adventure activities
- Rock climbing
- Rafting
- Overnight expeditions
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
- Ski touring
Furthermore, adventure therapy not only supports healing through self-efficacy-building activities but through connecting with nature as well.
Benefits of Nature in Recovery
As stated in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, technology-driven lifestyles have contributed to a diminished connection with nature, which has led to increased health issues and reduced mental well-being. Meanwhile, an article by Sports Journal explains that incorporating nature-based therapeutic interventions (NBI) can support improvements in health and wellness.
NBI presents a link between interactions with nature and physical and mental well-being. In particular, NBI has shown mental health improvements in mind, body, and spirit as engaging with nature supports reductions in stress responses and increases emotional regulation.
Nature Activities for Your Mental Well-Being
There are a wide variety of nature-based activities you can participate in to support your mental wellness too. Listed below are some examples:
- Visiting parks and beaches
- Gardening
- Walking
- Hiking
- Nature-based arts and crafts
- Outdoor exercise
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Tai Chi
- Biking
- Running/Jogging
Adventure Therapy at the Guest House
At The Guest House, we believe nature and group-oriented therapies like adventure therapy are important aspects of addressing mental health disorders. Therefore, adventure therapy not only supports trauma healing by connecting with nature, but by connecting with social connection as well. Moreover, here at The Guest House, you are provided with the space and tools to rediscover trust, deepen communication, and learn how to set healthy boundaries in adventure therapy. With a wide variety of therapeutic modalities, we are dedicated to collaborating with you to support your mental well-being and form a path to recovery that meets your specific interest and needs.
Untreated mental health disorders can make it difficult to recognize unhealthy behaviors. However, engaging in outdoor activities and exercises through adventure therapy can support more self-awareness. Through adventure therapy activities like rope challenge courses, you can develop problem-solving skills and increase your sense of self-efficacy. Moreover, as a nature-based therapeutic modality, adventure therapy can support stress reduction and increased emotional regulation as you connect with nature. Here at The Guest House, we believe in the power of nature as a natural source of healing and connection as you rediscover yourself. To learn more, call us at (855) 483-7800.