People walking on the urban riverside, depicting how outdoor activities support trauma recovery | Photo by Roman Biernacki
Hi there! It’s me again, Christina, and I’m here to take our healing journey outside. In today’s blog, we will talk about some of the most enjoyable outdoor activities, and how they can potentially help you heal or manage trauma. But before we get there, I encourage you to get a copy of my book. It’s called “DRY YOUR EYES, GIRL” and is available on Amazon. This treasured book of mine provides a safe space that will help you find the solutions to gain freedom and healing in your life.
I’m hoping that my book, “Dry Your Eyes, Girl”, will give you the strength to reclaim the voice that you lost as a child. May this book become your confidant as you heal, move forward, and form healthy newfound relationships, especially with God, yourself, and other safe people.
Healing Through Nature
Some of us may find that going on nature trips can help us heal and move forward after traumatic childhood experiences. Thus, in this article, we will try to explore how outdoor activities support trauma recovery.
The Science of How Outdoor Activities Support Trauma Recovery
There is science in healing from trauma by spending time in the serene oasis of green spaces. It is said to have potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for those recovering from trauma. A study involving military veterans with PTSD in group outdoor activities led to a marked decrease in PTSD symptoms over time. They reported improvements in social functioning and overall life outlook after engaging in such activities.
According to a therapeutic recreation journal by Ashlyn Stevens and Son Truong, outdoor activities often involve group participation, which fosters social connections. These interactions can enhance feelings of belonging and support among individuals recovering from trauma. Programs that incorporate group outdoor experiences have shown positive outcomes in building trust and communication skills among participants.1
Another study from a journal at Harvard Medical School suggests that spending just 20-30 minutes a day in nature can significantly lower symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Apparently, we can say that outdoor activities support trauma recovery because natural settings engage the senses, grounding individuals in the present moment and helping them escape the cycle of intrusive thoughts.
Types of Outdoor Activities Beneficial for Trauma Recovery
Outdoor activities provide a transformative path for trauma recovery, offering physical, mental, and emotional benefits. The variety of outdoor activities ensures that everyone, regardless of fitness level or personal preference, can find something therapeutic.
Walking
Outdoor activities support trauma recovery, even for those who are new to outdoor activities. For those who prefer a gentler approach, walking in nature is the simplest yet most helpful way to engage with the healing power of the outdoors. It is said to help ease intrusive thoughts often associated with trauma.
Gardening
If walking long distances is not your thing, then maybe gardening is the right match for you. Some regarded gardening as a therapeutic activity because tending to plants, feeling the soil, and watching life grow provides a sense of accomplishment. It serves as a metaphor for nurturing their own growth and healing.
Birdwatching
Just by looking at birds, you get that serene connection with nature. Birdwatching shows how outdoor activities support trauma recovery by conjuring a metaphor of freedom as birds take flight.
Team Sports
Group activities promote social connections, which can help you rebuild trust and social skills. You can try joining team sports, such as soccer or volleyball, in order to find an avenue for processing emotions and combat feelings of isolation while getting a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Furthermore, there are more outdoor activities you can participate alone or by group. While these activities are enjoyable and apparently therapeutic, it’s still best to consult with your therapist in order to avoid triggers.
Most Importantly, Pray
God never leaves you. He is always with you in every moment and in every place you go. Whether it’s indoors or outside your home, He is always beside you. Surviving from a traumatic experience is not an easy feat. Turn to Christ for guidance and strength to face every day and every step of your journey forward. Outdoor activities support trauma recovery best when you walk with God.
Reach Out
I am one of the many people who are willing to listen to you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. You can contact me anytime should you wish to join speaking engagements with me. I speak at many church meetings to give my testimony. You are welcome to share my safe space.
Footnote
- Ashlyn Stevens and Son Truong, “Exploring Therapeutic Nature-Based Programs for Individuals Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Scoping Review,” Therapeutic Recreation Journal 58, no. 2 (2024): 169–187, https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2024-V58-I2-12175. ↩︎
