Many of us are spending more time indoors than ever before—often at the cost of our health. While technology, urban life, and modern work demands keep us tethered to screens and schedules, science and experience continue to point toward something simple and profound: being in nature to enhance our emotional regulation, add to our happiness, and improve resilience.
Whether it’s a walk in the woods, sitting by a lake, or just feeling the sun on your skin in a local park, nature has the power to heal in ways that pills and pixels never can.
How Does Being Outdoors Help Us Emotionally?
Time spent outside is associated with reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. The American Psychological Association (APA) calls this being “nurtured by nature.”
In an article for the APA, Lisa Nisbet, a psychologist at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, states that “there is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human well-being,” she says. “You can boost your mood just by walking in nature, even in urban nature. And the sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.”
When you’re managing addiction recovery, emotional stability is essential. Substance use often arises as a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma, chronic stress, or unmanaged anxiety. By offering a space for reflection, solitude, and grounding, the wonders of nature play a critical role in healing. The quiet of the outdoors allows for a break from overstimulation and emotional triggers, creating a safer internal environment. Additionally, being in the natural world supports nervous system regulation, lowering cortisol levels and reducing muscle tension.
Mental Health America also reports that “sunlight triggers the release of serotonin and vitamin D, which are associated with boosting mood and focus and reducing stress. Without enough sun, these levels can drop, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.”
Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function Improve, Too
Cognitive function is often impaired by prolonged substance use. According to Positive Psychology, the Attention Restoration Theory, developed by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, suggests that natural environments replenish our directed attention—the cognitive function used for tasks like planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Stephen and Rachel Kaplan proposed that there are four cognitive states, or states of attention, along the way to restoration, which we provide verbatim:
- Clearer head, or concentration
- Mental fatigue recovery
- Soft fascination, or interest
- Reflection and restoration
Spending time in natural environments has been shown to help restore cognitive capacity. A 2008 study in Psychological Science found that people who spent time in nature performed 20% better on memory and attention tests than those who walked in urban areas.
Being in nature also fosters a sense of mindfulness. The natural environment invites you to be present, whether it’s noticing the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, or the warmth of sunlight. This kind of attentional shift can reduce cravings and increase emotional resilience.
How Can You Spend More Time in Nature?
You don’t need to be an expert hiker or move to the wilderness to benefit from the healing power of natural spaces. Here are some practical suggestions to incorporate the outdoors into your daily recovery practice:
- Regular walks. Commit to a short stroll in a nearby park or green space. Even 15 minutes a day helps reduce stress and clear your mind.
- Outdoor exercise. Try biking, jogging, or doing yoga outside. Nature provides a more engaging and restorative environment than a gym.
- Intentional nature time. Sit quietly outside, without distractions. Pay attention to your senses—what you see, hear, smell, and feel. This practice grounds you in the present moment.
- Gardening. Growing plants, herbs, or vegetables—even in containers on a balcony or patio—connects you to natural rhythms and provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Weekend escapes. Plan occasional trips to various types of natural areas, especially those unlike your current surroundings. Being fully immersed in a natural setting even once a month helps recharge your mind and body.
- Join a group. Look for local hiking clubs, birdwatching groups, alumni events with your treatment center, and other outdoor classes. These combine the benefits of nature with essential social connection.
You, Only Better, With Help From Ivory Plains
To enhance the success of your addiction recovery, spending time outdoors can support emotional balance, restore mental clarity, and strengthen physical health. In a world that often pulls us away from the natural rhythms of life, making time to reconnect with the earth may be one of the most powerful forms of medicine available.
Our addiction rehabilitation program in Adair, Iowa, utilizes an evidence-based, structured approach toward establishing a strong foundation in recovery. Our board-certified professionals ensure your personalized treatment plan includes tangible elements that help you build habits for lasting wellness. Talk to a member of our admission team today to learn how we can help you.
