Imagine taking a deep breath, looking over a vast mountain landscape framed by the warm glow of the sun as it sets. All is silent but the sound of tree frogs and crickets. Everything is still; it is as though you can feel all the stress and anxiety draining from your body. Being in the outdoors is natural anxiety therapy.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a state of intense, high levels of stress and worry. If the anxiety is ongoing, recurring and chronic, that might mean the presence of a condition known as an anxiety disorder. This condition is a very common psychiatric illness affecting around 40 million Americans. However, only one-third of those affected receive anxiety therapy and treatment.
Is nature the answer?
Images of nature scenes alone can reduce our levels of stress. One study showed an increase in performance on memory and attention tests by 20 percent with individuals after taking a walk in an outdoor arboretum. There were no increases in test performance among individuals who took a walk down a busy street in the middle of town.
“Group nature walks are linked with significantly lower depression, less perceived stress and enhanced mental health and well-being,” – Adaa.org
Being outdoors allows for the complete removal from the stressful stimulus of everyday life. This removal is extremely helpful for individuals struggling with depression, stress and high levels of anxiety. Spending time outside might just be the new frontier of anxiety therapy.
Explore that new frontier with blueFire
blueFire is a leading wilderness therapy program for teens 11-17 years old. Utilizing tools like the great outdoors as forms of depression and anxiety therapy, blueFire works hard to help students get happy and healthy for successful futures.
If you have a struggling son or daughter blueFire might be able to help. Call today at 844-413-1999 for more information.