The Importance of Sun, Trees, and Beaches in Recovery

There's something important about hearing the birds sing. No matter where you are and you sit back and hear singing from the trees, something in you changes. For a brief moment, you're paying attention to nature. For at least one second in your day, you're experiencing the world around you in a new way. You're not worried about the bills, the stress of not having money, the pain of a relationship breakup, or the uncomfortable feelings of low self-esteem. For that one brief instant, there aren't any troubles in the world - only the singing of the birds. 

Of course, you can extend this one moment into an afternoon or a whole day. No matter who you are, what your circumstances are, or where you are in the world, spending time in nature always puts things into perspective. For instance, if you notice, nature doesn't worry. It doesn't complain and it doesn't experience low self-esteem. In this way, there is something to be learned by nature. Just by spending a little time in the woods, walking among the trees, or staring at the clouds, we might experience peace. 

Furthermore, there are some physical benefits to be gained by spending time at the beach, in the forests, or on a mountaintop. According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are at least these three benefits to nature time:

• In nature, we get a good dose of Vitamin D, which can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and problems with our bones.
• Playing in expansive vistas can improve distance vision and prevent nearsightedness.
•  Physical activities,  such as hiking,  can keep the physical body healthy and fit.

In addition to these physical benefits to spending time in nature, there are also some emotional, psychological, and spiritual benefits:

• Studies show that exposure to nature can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
•  Those who attend environmental education programs tend to score higher on standardized testing as well as improves critical thinking skills.
• Stress levels drop almost immediately when a person is face to face with a natural setting.
• Playing in nature (and playing in general) can help boost a person's emotional development.
•  Without time in nature, a person might more easily develop a hurried lifestyle and be prone to stress-related illnesses, depression, and/or anxiety.
• Nature can promote the ability to be kind and compassionate.
• Nature can bring out a sense of caring for the community and wanting to give back to one's neighborhood.

If you're feeling like you need a boost to your recovery, perhaps spending time in the woods, among the trees, on a hilltop, or lounging at the beach could help. Another great advantage of spending time in nature is that it can open up the heart and put us in touch with a deeper part of ourselves. And this too can give greater meaning to recovery.