Take a Hike: Research Supports Time Outdoors as an alternative to Psychotropic Medications
August 17th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
The benefits of being outdoors have often been documented in terms of the healthy effects of sunlight. Despite concerns over too much sun exposure, a reasonable amount of regular sunshine can help boost Vitamin D levels and support a greater mental well-being, leading many mental health professionals to recommend that their clients enjoy more time outdoors. Adding a new dimension to this piece of advice recent research about the potential of soil elements to boost mood are breaking into the mainstream.
Based on original research that introduced cancer patients to a mycobacterium, a naturally occurring and harmless element present in many types of soil around the world. The participants subsequently reported feeling an overall boost in mood and outlook, a result that may not have been expected, but which has prompted a great body of research to date. As the facts and figures recorded in the lab continue to surface, ideas about the evolutionary role of dirt in human existence have sprung forth to support the notion that with our modern aversion to getting dirty and an increasing tendency to stay inside, our modern brain chemistry may be greatly skewed from that of our ancestors’.
While a classic psychotherapy session may prove somewhat difficult to successfully complete in the middle of a breath-taking hike, therapy clients may significantly benefit from the suggestion to spend a little more time outside –and to take advantage of the opportunity to get a little dirty. This simple lifestyle change may seem improbably effectual in having a significant impact on day to day emotional well-being, but a growing number of people are finding that being outside can be an extraordinary boost. Whether exploring the beauty of nature or taking the time to plant a garden, a return to the outdoors may help over-medication in the psychiatric field become a thing of the past.
© Copyright 2009 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Simi Valley Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
5 comments so far
When I first experienced my bout with depression that is exactly when my therapist told me that I needed to get out more and become a little more aware of the world around me. I did just that and started running. I took the medications that he prescribed for me too for a while but then I found that running made me feel so good that I did not need my meds anymore. I don’t know if it is the exercise or just the outdoor experience that has worked so well for me but either way the bottom line is that it did work and I encourage more of you who may be facing similar issues to give it a try. Lots cheaper than getting refills too!
Hi!
I have found that hiking in the mountains (I’m lucky enough to live in the shadow of the grand Rocky Mountains) is critical to my health. There is something so very healing in smelling the pine trees and seeing the wildlife at play.
- Marie (Coming Out of the Trees)
the pharmaceutical companies must be shaking in their boots… let’s start getting the word out to more people about this today.
That is fascinating to read. All garden lovers like me understand how good it feels to get your hands in the earth and be literally in touch with nature. A day in the garden settles and calms me.
While I do not disagree with any of you guys at all, I do think that there are some diseases which need more treatment than exercise and getting out and enjoying nature can offer. My mom was a schizophrenic with a late diagnoses and while taking her for walks was a great time for us to spend together before she passed away, it was not enough to calm those inner voices. She had some great doctors and the medications that she took allowed her to lead a somewhat more normal life, more normal than it would have been without them let me say. I know that we are always looking for ways to get people off of the pills and let me be clear that I in no way advocate over medicating, but you have to realize that there are still some cases where medications really are the best options available.