Getting Outdoors is Good for Your Recovery

Some people just love to spend time outside. Other people sincerely appreciate the benefits of being inside. And some people are equally happy in either setting.

No matter which of those camps you might fall into, it turns out that spending time outdoors is good for pretty much everybody—and perhaps especially those in recovery from a substance use disorder, those working toward improved mental health, or those for whom ongoing sobriety and mental wellness are equally important goals.

Let’s take a look at the ways getting outside can be helpful and healthful.

Vitamin D is the Sunshine Vitamin

While we tend to think of vitamins as something we get from the food we eat (or the supplements we take), the best source of vitamin D is actually sunlight. As it would turn out, most Americans are not getting enough vitamin D from their food—and getting outdoors is the single best way to make sure you boost the amount of this important vitamin in your body.

A positive impact on your overall mood is among the potential benefits of getting enough vitamin D, which means it can help address symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. Vitamin D is linked to increased production of the hormone serotonin, which is sometimes referred to as the “feel good” hormone.

In addition, vitamin D is associated with a range of benefits for your physical health. It supports your immune system, for example, and keeps your bones strong, among other healthy outcomes. Physical health is intertwined with both good mental health and ongoing sobriety.

Speaking of which…

You Can Exercise Outdoors

Sure, there are plenty of options for indoor exercise, from home fitness equipment to gyms you can join. But for many people—even some who are not especially fond of exercise—the outdoors is a more appealing place to work toward better fitness.

That is true, in part, because the options for outdoor activities that contribute to your physical health are plentiful. You can walk or jog or bike. You can play catch or tennis or ultimate frisbee. You can garden or birdwatch or paddle a kayak. 

Even if you would never, ever darken the door of a gym or buy a treadmill for your home, the odds are pretty good that you could find an outdoor activity that you enjoy. And by doing so, you will support your physical health, your mental health, and your sobriety.

The Outdoors Can Be a Place to Reflect or a Place to Socialize

Sometimes, getting out into nature can be a great way to spend some time alone. You can clear your thoughts and simply enjoy the world around you. You can even practice mindfulness or yoga (or both) in various outdoor settings.

Other times, getting outside can allow you to spend quality time with friends and family. You can enjoy a backyard barbeque or go to a ballgame or take in a summer concert—whether that means a touring band at an amphitheater or a local group in an area park. 

All of these things can be great for your mental health and for your recovery.

Be Safe When You Head Outdoors

We would be remiss if we didn’t encourage you to take appropriate safety precautions when you are enjoying activities outside. Apply sunscreen—and reapply it as necessary. Avoid poisonous plants (and animals). Have bug repellant handy. Wear a hat if you might encounter ticks. Wear a lifejacket when you are on the water. And so on. 

In short, you want to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of being outdoors. 

Getting Sober is No Walk in the Park—But We Can Help

It is extremely difficult to give up drugs or alcohol on your own. The powerful cravings that accompany withdrawal can send you right back to the substances that you are struggling with, keeping you trapped between a rock and a hard place.

That is why getting treatment is so very important. At The Aviary Recovery Center, we offer medically supervised detoxification, which means you can reclaim your sobriety in a safe environment that is free of temptations. We follow that up with a rehabilitation program built around individual and group therapy—and which includes treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. We continue to support you with our aftercare and alumni programs which are designed to offer ongoing encouragement and resources as your recovery journey gets underway.

The Aviary Recovery Center—located near St. Louis, Missouri—provides personalized care grounded in evidence, experience, expertise, and empathy. If you are ready to reclaim your sobriety and your life, we are ready and able to help.