Renewing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Through Outdoor Therapy

Summer is finally on its way, everything is lush and green, the temperature is above freezing, and my flowers are in full bloom! I love the smell of lilac bushes, wildflowers, and fresh cut grass, its such a light and airy time of year.

I also look forward to having therapy sessions with my clients outdoors. For the past 3 years,I have been offering this type of treatment and its gaining more interest. I have a small area with a café table on a deck nestled privately between trees and bushes that allows for comfort and relaxation while enjoying nature’s sounds and beauty as we talk. I also enjoy walking around the vast area near my office building, as some clients enjoy movement while working through challenges.

Outdoor therapy is a type of therapy that uses nature to help modify behavior and encourage self-exploration and improvement. Sometimes, it can be adventure-based and other times, it can be what I described above.

There are many reasons to consider an outdoor session:

1. Research has shown that it reduces stress by renewing mindfulness.

2. It creates connection, meaningfulness, and purpose.

3. Children and Teens benefit more than any other population, especially in academic performance.

4. It reduces anxiety and depression.

5. It reduces the risk of disease or might I add dis-ease.

Recently, I’ve been encouraging all of my clients to try at least one session this summer in order to evaluate the benefits for their situation. After each session, I ask for feedback about how they feel it was different from indoors, if they thought it to be beneficial, and how it was helpful. I’ve been getting good feedback about their ability to relax into the session more quickly, increased feelings of calm at the end, and some have just been happy to be outside , as that was the only chance they would get for the day.

I have a small sign on the table that says: “Come as You Are”, I invite YOU, to come as YOU are and experience this unique and restorative session.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome and I hope to see you over the summer!

Blessings, Health, and Happiness to You,

Joelle

3 Places That Will Make You Flock to Pennsylvania to Boost Your Mental Health

[Guest post by Jennifer Scott. Jennifer is a life coach and blogger from Walnut, CA. You can learn more about her at Spiritfinder.org or email her at jennifer@spiritfinder.org Thanks for contributing, Jennifer!]

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Practicing self-care and boosting your mental health can do a world of good for your overall well-being. If you suffer chronic stress, your muscles are tense for prolonged periods and trigger stress-related disorders like tension headaches and migraines. You also breathe more heavily and can trigger pre-existing conditions such as asthma or emphysema, or you can experience hyperventilation that triggers panic attacks.

Other physical effects of chronic stress include long-term issues for your heart and blood vessels, gastrointestinal issues, and reproductive problems. That’s why you need to take steps to improve your mental health.

If you only know Pennsylvania for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, you may not consider it a mecca for mental health because of the hustle and bustle of the cities. But, Pennsylvania is a gorgeous state teeming with state parks and nature preserves, beautiful bodies of water, and retreats that will help you unwind and unplug. There are hundreds of destinations across the Keystone State that can improve your mental health, and we share a few of our favorites.

1. Historic Sites That Welcome You to Take in the Scenery at Your Own Pace

Walking not only benefits your physical health by burning calories to combat obesity and reduce the risk of heart disease, but it also relieves stress. Walking calms the brain, and walking in natural areas puts it into a meditative state.

Moreover, walking in nature and spending time outdoors relieves stress and improves memory, attention, and energy levels. It also increases endorphins that reduce stress hormones and combat depression.

For these reasons, visiting historic sites in Pennsylvania that welcome you to walk and learn at your own pace is an ideal way to boost your mental health. Historic sites like Eckley’s Miners Village, where you can walk the grounds of the historic village and learn about coal mining in the 1840s and 1850s, is an ideal destination for those seeking a mental health boost.

Gettysburg is another perfect historic place to visit in Pennsylvania; walk the battlefields, participate in the historic Gettysburg walking tour, and learn more about life during the Civil War. 

2. Bodies of Water That Invite You to Relax

Many people head to the ocean when they want to relax, but Pennsylvanians know that kayaking on one of the many streams or rivers or renting a boat on Lake Erie is a way to avoid the crowds and relieve stress more effectively. There are many vessel options on Lake Erie, from jet skis to fishing boats, to kayaks and canoes, to paddleboards.

If you prefer to relax beside the water instead of on it, spend time at Presque Isle State Park. A National Natural Landmark and a top PA vacation destination, Presque Isle State Park features sandy beaches and outdoor recreation for relaxation seekers. Visitors can swim, boat, bike, surf, or fish. If retail therapy boosts your mood, enjoy spending time at Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC).

3. Retreats to Rent for a Weekend or an Extended Stay

Because nature has the power to boost your mental health, immersing yourself in the great outdoors by renting a retreat for a few days is an ideal choice for people who want to unplug. You may choose a bed and breakfast, spa-type retreat, or cabin depending on the type of getaway you prefer to help you relieve stress. Pack some books, your favorite snacks and beverages, and prepare to enjoy some time in the PA mountains.

Many of the retreats in the Pennsylvania mountains are mere steps from hiking and biking trails, so you also can relieve stress by walking or pedaling through the Keystone State. Best of all, Pennsylvania is gorgeous during all four seasons, so you can plan a trip any time of year. In fact, you may want to make a quarterly reservation so you can watch your favorite spot transform itself from one season to the next.

Spending time away from the routine and stress of daily life is an ideal way to boost mental health. Pennsylvania is one of the best destinations for doing just that, thanks to its historic sites that feature walking tours, bodies of water that promote relaxation, and retreats that take you away from it all.