Do you think the great outdoors are great? Do you think perhaps the outdoors were created to remind us how nice it is inside? Or do you fall somewhere in the middle of those two positions?
Whether you can’t wait to get outside when you are inside or can’t wait to get indoors when you are outdoors (or generally land between those positions), there is one thing that is true if you are a person in recovery from a substance use disorder.
Getting outdoors offers a range of benefits that can support your recovery efforts.
We are going to shine some (sun)light on those benefits. Let’s get started.
Sunlight Is Good for Your Physical and Mental Health
Did you know that sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, which supports your overall well-being? It is true—and that means getting out into the sun on a regular basis is a good idea. Among other benefits, vitamin D supports bone health and your immune system while also helping to regulate inflammation. It can even reduce cancer risk. Good physical and mental health support your ongoing recovery, and so taking advantage of the sun’s offer of a key vitamin is a smart move. As little as 15 minutes a few times a week can provide significant health benefits.
Of course, it is also true that too much time spent in the sun without sunscreen poses dangers to your health. So we encourage you to be smart about the sun. Find ways to soak in the rays both regularly and safely.
The Outdoors Offer Great Opportunities for Exercising
Engaging in regular exercise is another great way to support your physical health, your mental health, and your recovery. The outdoors offers so many options for exercise; it would be difficult to provide a complete list here. From walking, running, and hiking to biking, swimming, and a whole range of outdoor sports, the choices are many—and that means you can probably find something you enjoy and stick with it.
Doing just that is a wonderful way to keep your recovery on a firm footing.
There Is Plenty of Room to Get Together With Friends and Family
Unless you live in a palatial home, it is likely that gatherings of friends and family can feel a little crowded. Sometimes, that is just fine, but other times it can be a real joy to spread out and enjoy each other’s company without feeling like you are on top of one another.
Getting outside can give you the option to get out from under a feeling of being crowded together. A backyard barbeque, an evening spent in a local park, or a camping trip can be just the thing for building and maintaining strong relationships—and strong relationships are important to your ongoing recovery.
The Beauty and Wonder of the Natural World Can Be Inspiring
Even if you think of yourself as primarily an indoor cat, it is hard to deny that nature offers up plenty of beauty to enjoy and to marvel over. Taking a few moments to look—really look—at the nature around you is a worthwhile endeavor. That is true whether you are in your own neighborhood or in the presence of some of the majestic natural settings that can be found in every state (including Kansas).
Sometimes, a little inspiration can go a long way in recovery. After all, when you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you probably did not spend much time enjoying beautiful places and wondrous natural settings. Doing so in recovery can be a wonderful way to remind yourself why life in recovery is so worthwhile—and worth working for each and every day.
Naturally, We Are Always Here to Help
There is nothing natural about a substance use disorder. Drugs or alcohol steadily chip away at all aspects of your life as you continue to use them. Your physical health is undermined. Your mental health is damaged. Your relationships get shaky—and might fall apart altogether. Your finances fall into disarray. And a tragedy—in the form of lasting or even fatal harm to yourself or to others who cross your path at the wrong moment—is always in the offing.
For all of these reasons, it is only natural to seek out help so that you can leave drugs and alcohol in the past. Bel Aire Recovery Center, located near Wichita, Kansas, offers personalized, evidence-based treatment plans for substance use disorders so that you can reclaim your life and move forward positively.
We provide medically supervised detoxification to allow you to free yourself from substances in an environment that is safe, comfortable, and free of temptations. We follow detox with a rehabilitation program that includes group and individual therapy sessions—including treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. When your time in treatment comes to a close, you can still count on Bel Aire Recovery Center to provide ongoing support and resources through our robust aftercare program, which is designed to keep you connected with others who have gone through our program and understand your past and current challenges.
When you are ready to make an essential change, we are here to help make it possible.
