Trailtalk

Trailtalk

Evidence Based

Play Outside: The Healing Power of Nature

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This month, we look to nature to find joy, solace, solutions, comfort, and more. Our team of therapists reviewed and chose a wonderful collection of resources investigating and reporting on the benefits of accessing nature daily. Just getting outside and moving your body to clear your mind elevates our mood.

  1. How Nature Impacts Our Wellbeing – The University of Minnesota outlines some great methods in which nature heals, soothes, restores, connects us. How can being in nature reduce stress? Read the full article here.
  2. Bouldering Psychotherapy – Nature can help us escape the daily grind through many outlets. This article discusses how climbing and bouldering can force you to live in the moment and focus only on your task/activity. It proves to be very cathartic and beneficial in treating depression. Read the full article here.
  3. Atlanta Connects Outdoors – Thrive Outside Atlanta works to build and strengthen networks focused on providing children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. Their new initiative, “Sensory with Soils,” provides youth a learning opportunity from merely playing in the dirt. Read the full article here.

Check out this publication about how nature heals our souls in Science of Forest Therapy.

Reboot, Reset and Restore in the great outdoors.  Spending time in nature helps us reframe and recalibrate our waypoints. 

Follow the journey of the Emotional Sherpa® in our blogs for more insight into how moving your body in nature clears your mind.

A classic quote for the legendary trailblazer, Chief Seattle, “take only photos and leave only footsteps.” 

Peace and continued good health as you seek solace outside in your communities. Happy trails!

Anxiety, Depression Can Be Eased with 150 Minutes of Exercise a Week

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  • Researchers say exercising for 150 minutes a week can help ease mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
  • They said people who exercise outdoors get more benefits than people who exercise indoors.
  • They added that there are mental health benefits to both team sports as well as individual activities.
  • They cautioned that more isn’t necessarily better, so a moderate amount of exercise is best for most people.

For Veterans, Outdoor Therapy Could Become Law

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A bill introduced to Congress on May 1 could make outdoor recreation an official treatment option for veterans suffering from mental-health disorders. It’s a huge opportunity for vets—and our public lands.

Read the full article on Outsideonline.com by Wes Siler and see how “outdoor recreational activities can provide powerful therapeutic and healing benefits as well as camaraderie for veterans struggling with combat-related injuries or post-traumatic stress”…

Why Walking Matters—Now More Than Ever

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Why does walking make us feel good? We all know that a satisfying stroll changes our outlook. Perhaps we realize it all the more today, when so many of us are hunkered down and this simple activity is a challenge. But walking is especially important now, with gyms and team sports shut down. It’s one of our few accessible forms of exercise but also one that is directly affected by stay-at-home orders. What we usually do automatically now takes serious intention…

Why some practitioners of walk-and-talk therapy think it is especially helpful for teens

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“(Patients) welcome the humanizing effect of taking therapy outdoors and are typically hoping to multitask by incorporating their therapy session with exercise. “The power dynamic shifts in a walking session versus an office setting,” Udler said. “If you’re the client and you’re coming in to see me in my office, it’s my space. It’s my chair. You have your chair. It’s my decorations. It’s my family photos. Outside, it’s our space.”