Addiction recovery is a process of confronting the negative thoughts and emotions that prevent one from achieving sobriety. It is possible to understand the benefits of becoming a sober individual through therapy and addiction education.
Natural addiction treatment is more likely to improve self-esteem and self-perception through self-analysis, as it encourages self-reflection. To end substance abuse in your life, you should consider the healing power of nature.
Many studies suggest that spending time outdoors has several beneficial effects on our health. Here are some of the healing benefits of nature on addiction:
- Getting Your Vitamin D from the Sun
Getting enough vitamin D is important, but it is also one of the hormones that our bodies release when exposed to sunlight. During the winter months, people in northern climates will have a particularly hard time getting enough vitamin D, especially if they spend a lot of time inside.
If you do not have enough Vitamin D, increasing your intake can change your life significantly, especially if you have had poor self-care and addiction for months or years. Relapses may be aggravated by low levels of Vitamin D.
- Natural Connections and Interconnectedness
Researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that the presence of trees and green spaces around Chicago’s public housing made residents feel more connected to other people.
When exposed to nature, people are more likely to help and support others, as well as feeling a stronger sense of belonging. Although poverty and hardship were present, illegal activities and violent crimes declined.
- Recovery from Depression and Anxiety
When people in treatment have to give up familiar environments and old friends, it is common for them to experience a significant grieving process.
Depression and anxiety are common during addiction treatment, as well as afterward as well. The natural environment contributes to people’s feeling of belonging, which then leads to them helping and supporting others.
If you tend to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, spending time in nature may be a good replacement and can minimize dangerous triggers. Even short stints in nature can calm a troubled mind and promote a good night’s sleep.
Nature may even offer feelings of natural euphoria that you can’t achieve through the use of drugs and alcohol. Harvard Medical School suggests that focusing on nature can distract you from negative thinking, and may even lower blood pressure.
