Have you ever felt stressed and then decided to take a walk outside to calm down? Did it work? Most likely, you returned to the setting you came from in a better headspace.
Many reasons explain the healing power of exploring the outdoors. Some of these include a breath of fresh air, the color green, and physical activity. When you explore the outdoors and experience these sensations, you are returning yourself to a natural habitat. That connection with nature can help you process grief, overcome anger, and reflect on how your life feels in that moment. It is truly remarkable when you can find peace outside.
Breath of Fresh Air
In an open space, you can likely breathe better. Without the stuffiness of a closed-off house, you experience the oxygen content that the trees around are generating for you. Open spaces like your neighborhood streets or sidewalks, the mountains, or the beach, help you inhale and exhale more efficiently. This breath of fresh air gives you a sense of revival.
The Color Green
Green is known to have a calming and healing effect on the mind. Architects design hospitals with more windows that look out upon trees to help patients cope with their illnesses. Similarly, getting outside and being in nature surrounded by green vegetation can have a calming effect on difficult or complex emotions.
Physical Activity
The process of getting up and getting out allows for more physical activity. When you get your heart rate up, you help your body adjust to a variety of different circumstances. Physical activity can help mediate the mind-body connection and result in attunement in your sense of self.
Exploring the outdoors has many benefits, including a specific healing power. Some of the components of that healing power include the benefits of a breath of fresh air, the color green, and physical activity. At Valiant Living, we know the difference that the outdoors can make. Nestled between mountains in the beautiful Denver, Colorado, our men’s only treatment facility allows you to reconnect with nature. We treat both addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses. Our expert staff knows the difference between outside can make and encourages physical activity. We offer a variety of services, including detoxification services, recovery housing, outpatient services, and assistance with intimacy disorders. To learn more about the services we offer, contact us today at (303) 952-5035.
