Healing in Nature: What is Wilderness Therapy?

Wilderness therapy refers to the experience of nature for mental healing. This can be used as a method of calming your nervous system, as a way to de-stress, and to re-center oneself. This is not something typically prescribed by a medical professional. Rather, this is a type of active, experiential method of therapy. Spending intentional time in nature is known to have endless benefits– physically, emotionally, and mentally. Today, let’s explore some ways you can integrate wilderness therapy into your life.

Wilderness Therapy Benefits

Wilderness therapy has proven to be a highly effective form of therapy. The various challenges and tasks of camping cause you to get out of your head and connect with your body. You become more focused on the present and what you’re really capable of. Those who need to escape to the outdoors for peace will find an increased sense of mental and physical simplicity.

Whether you need a new challenge to get your mind off things, or you need to reconnect with the outdoors. Today is a great day to start. Give wilderness therapy a try, and discover new, positive things about yourself.

Healing Through Nature: Tips and Tricks for Relaxing and Recentering Outdoors

Nature is healing. The more time you spend outdoors, the more this will resonate with you. So put it into practice! If you’re feeling down, going through a tough period, or feeling far away from yourself. Nature can be the perfect environment to recenter and gain mental clarity. It allows you to get away from the noise of everyday life and quiet down.

Even if you’re not necessarily “going through” something, it can vastly improve your well-being to integrate time in nature into your routine. Maybe that means setting aside time every day to go outside. Or, maybe it means regular camping adventures this season. Create the perfect camp setup, do therapeutic activities, and teach yourself new skills for a great time. Here are some of our best tips and tricks to experience relaxation and healing in the outdoors while camping.

Set Up a Relaxing Campsite

One of the best things about wilderness therapy is that you get to customize your experience! Tailor everything to your needs and preferences. That includes creating a great camping setup.

In your canvas wall tent, curate the perfect environment just for you. Maybe keeping things as minimal as possible, to eliminate the sense of clutter, is good for you. Or, perhaps decorating and making a cozy, warm space is better! Whatever you choose, focus on items that make you feel calm and safe.

When packing, try to keep it simple. Pack light, and don’t burden yourself with too much. Bring your 10 camping essentials. Either leave it there, or pack some decorations! Warm string lights, pillows, and your favorite blankets.

Stay Unplugged

Prolonged periods of staying offline and unplugged have great benefits for the mind. Without the constant overstimulation, you can focus on being present. Stay unplugged while in the outdoors– it’s actually easy to do! Depending on how remote you are, you may not even have cell service, so you won’t have to stress about calls or texts. Bringing a film camera is a fun way to capture memories without the temptation of using a digital screen. Remember to download your maps to offline mode for navigation before leaving. And remember to inform others where you’re planning to be and when so that they’re aware even after you go offline.

Plan Therapeutic Activities

Like any camping trip or time spent outside, plan activities you love. Get creative, and pack activities that you know will be therapeutic and cathartic to you. Whether that’s a good book, challenging yourself to a new skill, or doing your yoga practice in nature.

Journaling

Journaling is an awesome way to get your thoughts and emotions out of your head. For many, it can feel like a release. It can also help someone process what they’re going through, to articulate it on paper. Bring your journal on a hike, and spend some time writing out your thoughts at the viewpoint. The endorphins from hiking might even give you better clarity to articulate yourself. This is a great practice to integrate into your everyday life, too. But soak up the natural setting of the outdoors while you journal at camp.

Meditation and Grounding Exercises

Grounding exercises and meditation can be anything from a guided experience to breathwork to setting intentions. It takes patience and thought, but meditation is a great way to look inwards and consider your needs. It’s also a great way to let go of things that don’t serve you well. Sit in the fresh air, close your eyes, and take a few minutes to be quiet, focusing on the sounds, smells, and sensations of nature.

Yoga

Moving your body is awesome for your mind! Aside from outdoor activities like hiking, yoga combines physical movement with mental benefits. Breathing techniques and focus on posture help promote relaxation. That leads to better circulation, sleep, and a happier self! This is a perfect exercise to do at camp because it only requires a mat, which is easy to pack. Or, you could even just use a towel!

Reading and Games

Bring your favorite books, comfort games, and other entertainment that you gravitate towards. If you need something to keep your hands busy, try knitting, drawing, or origami. These are cathartic activities. Pair them with nature, and you’ll feel yourself chilling out in no time! Choose to lie in the sun on the grass and enjoy your activities to the sounds of birds and the wind against your skin.

Bird and Animal Watching

Wildlife watching gives you something to focus on, be patient for, and be excited about. It’s sort of challenging that instant gratification we’ve all become so accustomed to. Having to stay quiet and alert for prolonged periods of time is a challenge in and of itself. So, finally seeing that one bird or deer you’ve been waiting for is so exciting and rewarding. It’s also a great reminder that you’re not alone, and life is happening all the time.

Pack binoculars, a wide-brimmed hat, and a journal. Get ready for a successful, relaxing day of watching the birds and critters!

Challenge Yourself

Build a fire, navigate a new trail, or cook on a camp stove! Many people find accomplishing a challenge to be really therapeutic. This can enhance a person’s self-esteem and self-sufficiency. Pick a new skill or task in the outdoors, and challenge yourself to take it on! It could be as simple as challenging yourself to wake up for a sunrise hike. Set attainable goals and pack accordingly. So bring anything that has to do with your goal. From tent accessories to fire-making supplies, and more.

Be sure to dedicate time afterwards for reflection. What went well? What made you nervous or frustrated? What was successful? And how do you feel now that you’ve tried something new? You may be amazed at just how capable you are!

Wrapping Up…

Wilderness therapy is a great framework for spending intentional time outdoors. Integrate nature into your regular lifestyle. You’ll experience everything from improved self-confidence to a calm nervous system. Wilderness therapy in the form of camping opens up many unique opportunities.

It all begins with identifying what you need to do outdoors to feel great. Maybe that means you need to try something new, like learn an outdoor skill. Or you need to curate a cozy tent to hunker down in. 

Challenge yourself to try new things outdoors. Build a fire from scratch, pitch a tent by yourself, or navigate a new trail. Expand your skills– even if it doesn’t go perfectly– and take your mind off of things. Focus on the present tasks at hand. This has a positive impact on self-esteem, purposefulness, motivation, and problem-solving abilities.

Set up the perfect camping environment for you! Tent accessories like decor, comfort items, and practical gear enhance your stay. Don’t forget to pack therapeutic activities that you can do outside or inside. Knitting, reading, journaling, and yoga are a few things to help you relax. Integrate movement and meditation into your time with yoga and grounding exercises. Exercise and reflection release endorphins and help you process your feelings and emotions. Spend time watching the birds and animals, and take some deep breaths.

Whether you’re challenging yourself to learn a new skill, be a self-sufficient camper, or trying to have a relaxing time. Get outside, and begin your healing journey. You may amaze yourself at how capable you are of learning new things and processing your emotions. Embracing wilderness therapy will cause you to experience a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and overall calmness in nature. Allow it to touch you deeply in some way.

Happy camping!