Healing the Core of Addiction Nature Immersion

People are constantly in the world without connecting with it. Nature immersion is about finding new ways to interact with and learn from nature. Hawaii is a beautiful place and one of the best locations in the world to practice nature immersion. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Nature exposure has been renowned for its positive physiological and psychological benefits.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses nature immersion and other alternative holistic therapies to help individuals recover from substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues.

What Is Nature Immersion?

Nature immersion is a mindfulness-based practice with many potential health benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Outdoor therapies are intentional therapeutic processes that are (1) place-based, (2) feature active bodily engagement, and (3) recognize nature-human kinship.” The exact activities people engage in while outdoors vary significantly from session to session, depending on the needs and preferences of the participants.

Every group has unique needs, capabilities, and expectations. However, some of the common themes covered in nature immersion include:

• Herbalism and natural remedies
• Ecotherapy
• Nature-based meditation
• Environmental stewardship
• Personal development and growth
• Culturally sensitive traditions related to the local Hawaiian landscape
• Physical exercise and mindfulness-based activities, including yoga
• Self-reflection

Nature immersion complements evidence-based therapies, including psychotherapy and psychiatry. Clinicians use nature-based therapeutic tools to help people practice mindfulness, gain self-awareness, and improve self-confidence. Often, aspects of psychotherapy are used to help people make connections between nature and their own inner processes.

The Science Behind Nature Immersion

Nature immersion is based on science and the positive health benefits of spending time in natural environments. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Being outdoors in nature can be health-promoting, can decrease depression, and increase mental well-being.” The type of outdoor space plays an important role in how it impacts mental health. The journal adds, “For clients with stress-related mental health disorders (such as depression and burnout), it was most important to have refuge (a secluded place) and serene (peaceful, silent, safe, and secure) spaces for the recovery process.” Hawaii has many naturally secluded and peaceful spaces where people can relax and heal from substance abuse.

Science has proven spending time in natural spaces does the following:

• Reduces overall stress levels
• Improves mood and emotion regulation
• Decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improves general health and well-being

Everyone benefits from spending time outdoors participating in low-stress activities, exercises, or therapy sessions. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab takes advantage of the gorgeous Hawaiian countryside to help people reconnect with nature and their inner selves.

How Does Exclusive Hawaii Rehab Use Nature Immersion?

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses nature immersion to complement other forms of therapy. For example, clients may choose to use traditional Hawaiian practices, including ho’oponopono, to heal and reconcile changes in their lives. Nature immersion is an effective way to broaden the positive effects of traditional treatments and help people recover more effectively.

Clinicians use nature immersion as a way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Some other benefits of immersion therapy include:

• Better quality sleep
• Reduces symptoms of some common mental health disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Increased social and community bonding
• Lower blood pressure

Nature immersion has a profound positive effect on both physical and mental health. Natural spaces high in green and blue color are known to improve overall well-being. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health.” In addition, “Exposure to nature has been associated with alterations in brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that plays an important role in emotional regulation.”

Mental Health Benefits of Nature Immersion

Nature immersion affects the brain, heart, and other body systems in multiple ways. Medical professionals have known for thousands of years that spending time in nature reduces some of the most persistent mental health symptoms.

Spending significant amounts of time in nature reduces overall stress and some symptoms of SUD, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Body aches and discomfort
• Muscle tension
• Mood swings
• Irritability

The clinical team leads groups in nature activities, including watching the local lava flow. Every interaction with nature has the potential to inspire, motivate, and heal. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab is one of the only addiction recovery centers in Hawaii offering primary mental health treatment. Nature immersion is a large part of the treatment program for SUD, dual diagnosis, and primary mental health disorders.

Incorporating Outdoor Activities and Nature Into Long-Term Healing

Many people find the solitude and peace of nature helpful in recentering and practicing mindfulness-based techniques. Outdoor activities also reduce the risk of certain health conditions and improve overall wellness. People often choose to continue incorporating nature-based activities and therapies into their everyday routine after completing treatment. Case managers help clients establish aftercare plans and may provide referrals, if necessary, to local community outdoor groups or programs.

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab encourages people to use nature immersion and other helpful activities to establish healthy routines and build new patterns of behavior. Spending time in nature while meditating on deeper thoughts can help people gain a better understanding of themselves and encourage personal growth.