Everyone knows walking is good for you. Walking provides additional benefits to those recovering from substance use disorders, especially those who are attempting to rebuild a healthy lifestyle and reverse the ill effects of long term drug or alcohol use. So if we know walking is good for you, why not take a hike? The best news about taking a hike is it’s free, can vary in difficulty from easy to a good work, and is a foolproof way to get your sober self back into shape.
Hiking is known to involve exercise and help us connect with nature, so why don’t we typically think of using hiking as actual therapy? Hiking therapy is a great and beneficial holistic treatment option for those in addiction and mental health recovery.
As the name indicates, hiking therapy involves going on an outdoor hike. Some people even refer to it as outdoor or adventure therapy. In general, most rehab centers don’t just offer outdoor therapy alone. Usually, they incorporate it into a program that also includes traditional therapies. As a result, most therapists don’t view hiking as a stand-alone treatment. Instead, it makes for a great complementary addiction recovery service. There are specific benefits of hiking for people in recovery. Believe it or not, hiking offers many benefits for the mind, body, and soul, which is why it fits so perfectly into the holistic category of treatment.
Hiking Therapy Benefits
So, what are the benefits? To start, hiking gets people outside. Being outdoors in the sun and fresh air lowers stress levels. Vitamin D and oxygen levels increase by being in the sunlight and around so many plants and trees. This also clears and soothes the mind. In fact, the soothing aspect helps people open up more than in traditional counseling.
Additionally, hiking is a good form of physical exercise. Studies show that the body releases endorphins during physical activity. Often, due to drug abuse, balancing serotonin and endorphins is more difficult without balanced diet, exercise, and therapy. Moreover, these endorphins don’t just improve overall mood but also act as a natural pain reliever. As a result, the release of endorphins can help people who are unable to use pain medications because of addiction.
Finally, hiking therapy opens the door to new hobbies. Developing healthy habits is key to avoiding relapse. When people have more free time, they tend to think about using drugs. Filling this free time with a hobby such as hiking prevents the mind from heading in that direction while connecting our mind, body, and spirit to something that brings us closer to nature.
“Walking is a superfood. It’s the defining movement of a human.” - Kathy Bowman Move Your DNA
When on the road to my recovery from addiction, the 12-step aphorism, “putting one foot in front of the other” can have very literal significance that can be applied in a hike. Now that we’ve outlined what hiking therapy is, here are 12 reasons why you should take a hike in recovery.
12 Good Reasons for Hiking Therapy:
1. Hiking Helps Happiness
Hiking decreases depression and feelings of hopelessness. It also allows us to connect with nature and ourselves, bringing a sense of well-being.
2. You’ll Sleep Better
Sleep patterns are disrupted in early addiction recovery. A bracing walk in the fresh air makes you tired and enhances REM sleep.
3. Strong Heart, Lungs, and Blood Vessels
Hiking improves cardio-respiratory fitness. And the farther you get from the crowds, the cleaner the oxygen.
4. Improves Muscular Fitness
Without putting too much stress on your joints, the muscles in your legs, glutes and core will develop and strengthen on nature’s winding paths when walking.
5. Burns Calories
Just an hour of hiking burns between 300 and 600 calories. Hiking may take longer than running, but the weight control benefits are the same, so go further and see more.
6. It Gets The Creative Juices Flowing
Spending time outside and out of confined spaces allows your attention span and brain power to increase allowing creative juices to flow more freely when you are active versus when you are sitting.
7. It’s Good For Your Bones
Walking strengthens bone density, especially if you walk with a bag, as you are getting plenty of “load bearing” exercise.
8. Opportunity to Connect and Recharge
Connect to the people you are with, to nature, and to your inner-self without the distractions of day to day stressors. The serene silence when you are amongst trees, plants, and animals recharges you to the core.
9. Feel Better About Yourself
Hiking increases your self-esteem. Winding your way on a difficult track and taking responsibility for your actions improves emotional stability as well as physical stability.
10. The Views
The sounds, smells and sights in the majesty of nature have a calming effect on the mind as you take in the views around you.
11. Hiking Improves Balance
The uneven terrain will improve your balancing skills helping you automatically adjust to the changes on ground level.
12. Longevity
Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology, showed that “those who engaged in daily moderate exercise such as a brisk walk or jog have experienced anti-aging benefits that could add an additional three to seven years to their lives.” Just 7 active hours a week increases life expectancy!
So, take a hike!
Whether you decide on a Sunday stroll, an afternoon hike, or a weekend in the wild, get out and chart your own course, take control of your workout and improve your overall well-being while on your recovery journey.
Recovery is a process, and no treatment is one size fits all. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and mental health, reach out today. Mountain View Health is here to help by getting to know each client and customizing treatments to meet individual needs. Call today: 253.670.5993 or email us at tanner@mountainviewtx.com.
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