The saying get out and smell the roses has great merit when it comes to recovery. In recovery, the routines you depended upon no longer serve you. It can be hard to get through a day or even ten minutes without the drug of your choice cajoling you. If you feel anxious, desperate, alone, or scared, nature offers renewed hope. This is true whether you have those first precious days and weeks of abstinence behind you, months or years.
With the help of a professional and sober and clean friends, you can develop a toolkit for your recovery. A toolkit consists of methods and skills to use that enhance your recovery success. One of the best tools to put in your kit is nature. The dictionary defines nature as the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations. Nature is everywhere!
You may ask, how can nature help with my recovery? Getting out in nature can help you relax. It can distract you from a desire to take drugs or drink. Nature can help you to relax and feel better. Accessing nature is as simple as laying down in your yard or in a park and feeling the grass with your fingers. When you lie on the grass you feel the whole weight of your body connecting not only to the grass, but to the earth. The earth is a powerful grounding force that aids recovery as it brings awareness to your home—your body. Then, there’s the sky above. The sky offers a magnificent window for dreaming. With dreams come intention. Intention to stay clean and sober needs to be your number one priority.
Studies show taking daily walks in nature has health benefits. Walking strengthens your muscles and lowers blood pressure. Walking helps relieve depression. It engages your senses. Around a corner there’s a delicious smell emanating from a bakery. The smell of lilacs waft in the spring air. Leaves on trees rustle in the wind and in fall crunch under your shoes. Taking a ride to the seashore, a river or lake can change your perspective, open your to ideas that can enrich your life. Maybe you’ll grown a garden with your spouse, join a community garden or grow plants and vegetables from a balcony. Nature is there for you to enjoy. It is time to enjoy your life.
If you someone you know is struggling with drugs and alcohol, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can help to get you sober. Our 12-Step aspects and holistic therapy can show you how to adorn your soul in recovery.
Call us today: 844-720-6847
