Many of us are overworked and overstimulated; as a result, our mental health suffers. Spending time in nature is an accessible and affordable way to find silence, peace, and clarity in the midst of internal and external turmoil. That’s why we at NPS feel strongly about hiking therapy as a natural and alternative treatment for many mental health conditions.

We know hiking is hard work. At first, it may feel intimidating and push you outside of your comfort zone. But if you’re willing to commit to this form of therapy, we know your mental and physical health will reap the rewards.

Why Hiking Therapy Works

When you walk outside, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, you feel better. That’s not happenstance, it’s science. The combination of physical activity, beautiful scenery, and connection with nature is a proven equation for manufacturing your own well-being.

The Release of Endorphins from Physical Activity

Take everything else out of the equation, and the effects of regular exercise are enough to make hiking therapy a worthwhile cause. That’s because keeping your body active is a reliable way to increase the production of endorphins, the hormones associated with pain relief, mood regulation, and increased feelings of well-being. The term “runner’s high” is used to describe this function and is applicable to all aerobic exercises, including hiking.

The Reduction of Stress Via Mindfulness

Mindfulness when hiking isn’t a given, but with help from a qualified counselor it’s not hard to achieve. Mindfulness in general is gaining in popularity as a solution to stress management and some mental health disorders. That’s because it’s a proven way to build inner strength, gain awareness of your own needs, and increase your level of compassion for yourself and others.

Practicing mindfulness in nature is especially effective for anyone looking to establish a more peaceful baseline. Letting go of distractions, focusing on what matters most, and reconnecting with yourself is easier to do when you’re in a natural setting.

The Advantages of Social Interaction

Whether we like to admit it or not, we are all inherently social creatures with a strong need for connection. In our opinion, there’s no better place to gain that connection than on a hiking trail–be it with a counselor, a group of friends, or a family member.

We’re not alone in this opinion either. The hiking community is a strong and vibrant group of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. If you’re not ready to try hiking therapy, you can get many of the same benefits from joining a local hiking club. By adding this dose of socialization to your life, you’ll gain a number of proven benefits. Positive social interactions are known to cause the release of endorphins, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The Mental Health Benefits of Communing with Nature

As our world becomes increasingly more digital, it’s never been more important to find time to commune with nature. It’s easy to ignore the effects our constantly glowing screens have on us. Over time, feelings of burnout, anxiety, depression, and loneliness may even begin to feel normal.

Thankfully, many of those problems can be alleviated with time spent out of doors, away from computers, cell phones, and tablets. Powering down and heading outside is a great way to find peace and address stress. That’s because there is a scientifically proven connection between nature and mental health. Being outside helps us unwind, find clarity, and feel better.

Any one of these points would make hiking therapy an effective choice for stress management. All together, these advantages have an undeniable potential to improve your quality of life.

How Hiking Therapy Works

Now you know why hiking therapy is effective. But how exactly does it work? We’ve outlined some key points here, but what you need to know is that it pretty much works the same way traditional talk therapy does. While hiking, you’ll talk to your counselor about all the various issues affecting your mental health. Together, you’ll discuss coping mechanisms and find solutions for those issues.

Depending on your needs, you may practice mindfulness, gratitude, or therapeutic breathing. You may even attempt Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while on the trail. This will help you identify and change the negative thought patterns that contribute to poor mental health.

Like most of our counseling sessions, hiking therapy will be a tailored experience. Bring your needs and concerns to our team and together we will find a process that works best for you.

Learn More About Hiking Therapy at NPS

If you’re new to NPS, the first step is to schedule a 15-minute meet and greet with a member of our team. To do that, we ask you to call us at (815) 477-4727 to answer a few questions so we can help you find the right counselor.

If you’re already meeting with a member of our team and would like to try hiking therapy, simply let your counselor know. If they are unable to meet your needs at this time, they will connect you with the right hiking therapy counselor.

On or off the trail, NPS is always focused on holistic healing. We don’t just treat disorders, we help clients find greater overall health and happiness. With that in mind, we look forward to hearing your story and helping you achieve the life you deserve.