How Sunshine and Daylight Impact Health

How Sunshine and Daylight Impact Health

Jan 4, 2024

The tangible results of spending consistent time in nature are evident and there are nuanced reasons why we typically feel better, physically, mentally, and spiritually. One of these is light. Daylight and sunshine directly impact mood, provide necessary nutrients, and tap into what it means at our core to be a healthy human. Different seasons encourage more time outside than others, which means at times one must get creative but there are immeasurable benefits to spending some time under the sky.

Holiday Survival Guide

Dec. 12, 2023

The holiday season is a special time of year for many of us. It can also be challenging and triggering. While we manage our schedules and activities it is vital that we attend to our well-being and mental health. It can be easy to lose track of how we’re feeling, potentially dissociate at stimulating gatherings, or tune out to factors that can impacting our sense of calm.

Spending Time Outside, Together

Spending Time Outside, Together

Aug. 29, 2023

Outdoor activities stimulate and inspire us and these positive results are increased when we share experiences with others. Many of us experience elevated feelings and emotions in nature and this elevated awareness can increase through interconnectedness. Furthermore, when we are striving for goals and sharing milestones with others, we may feel increased wonder and inspiration. Watching shooting stars with friends, noticing a whale breach, hearing the coyotes in the night. These experiences are powerful and transformative. This positive condition of mind and spirit can be initiated by adventure—a natural high.

Mental Health, Outside

Mental Health, Outside

Aug. 7, 2023

What do we mean when we say mental health, outside? Studies show that environment plays a significant part when it comes to our well-being and mental health. Traditional therapy conjures an image of sitting, indoors, but for some, traditional modes of talk therapy can be challenging. However, when we move our bodies outside, we can explore other ways of healing. This is profound, impactful work, especially at a time when screens tend to dominate the human experience.

Why We Climb

Why We Climb

May 11, 2022

Rock climbing positively impacts our mental health by training the mind and body to create this positive resilience loop. There are multiple techniques that can be utilized to help bring someone ground and land in their bodies in the present moment. When we attain this level of proficiency, we increase our capacity. But that’s not the only reason we climb.

What is Wilderness Outpatient?

What is Wilderness Outpatient?

March 29, 2022

When we learn new ways to care for ourselves, develop relationships with like-minded individuals, and feel motivated each day, it is far easier to create lasting change. This is how we find healing—in the ongoing community striving towards the same goal of adventure: wilderness outpatient. It’s the joy we experience outside, together, that keeps us coming back. Life is meant to be joyful. It is challenging, but also fun.

Why We Go

Feb. 8, 2022

Time in the field, one-on-one, for multiple days and nights, allows us to deeply connect with the client, their goals, their challenges, and their dreams. In addition, adventure immersions allow us to unplug, re-set, slow down, and adopt a natural pace in harmony with the environment. Immersive experiences help us to reflect on what is and what is not working in our lives and what shifts we may need to make. It also allows the crew of guides to hold space for themselves, along with the client, to demonstrate and model the ongoing need for deepening our connections to the skills we teach. Ultimately, when we are on expedition, the powerful lessons of the natural world create a perfect, backdrop for inspiration and transformation.

The Nature Prescription

The Nature Prescription

Nov. 1, 2022

The nature prescription changes lives. Now, more than ever, natural spaces are the place to be. Research is revealing that time immersed outside can boost our immune system, alter mental states, and increase our overall health. What’s more, outside we are able to find perspective and connect with a sense of awe, creating space for more experiential-based feelings, quieting the thinking mind.

Happy Hormones: Why Adventure Works

Happy Hormones:  Why Adventure Works

Oct. 29, 2021

Happy hormones contribute to many different aspects of one’s health and wellness including decreasing stress levels and increasing feelings of belonging and purpose. The word hormone is a slight misnomer here in some instances but for the sake of discussion, these neurotransmitters can directly influence mood and mental health outcomes. Here’s a look at how we make the most of these natural mood-boosters.

How to Heal, Together

How to Heal, Together

June 1, 2021

The world is full of teachers, and many of them are not human. Rivers, forests, mountains, trees — they are the ancient teachers with keys to locked parts inside of us all. And when we allow a teacher to lead the way, we learn how to navigate the internal and external wilderness with skillfulness and ease. We need the guidance of someone who walks the path to help us find which specific key fits our specific lock. And I’m deeply grateful, every day, that I became willing to accept true connection.

Finding Connection Through Nature

Finding Connection Through Nature

Jan. 22, 2021

It is through communication, shared experiences, and camaraderie that we really find ourselves. When we explore nature, learn new skills, and engage in adventures together, we are brought to the immediate, into the moment and we grow. Furthermore, the willingness found in being open to learning new skills and tools puts us in a positive position for mental health and resilience. The flexible mind is a healthy mind. When we are teachable, we cultivate this flexibility. And in the dynamic of peer support, all parties reap the benefit.

AR Launches Adventure Recovery Coaching

AR Launches Adventure Recovery Coaching

Nov. 1, 2020

Adventure Recovery is thrilled to bring a new offering to our amazing community of compassionate, thoughtful mental health and recovery advocates: Adventure Recovery Coaching. We know, now more than ever, is that we all need ongoing, consistent time in nature for our health and well-being. Activities outdoors are increasingly vital for our health and when we share these experiences with others, we increase our sense of connection and belonging—both vital components for our mental health.

Changing Lives, Outside

Changing Lives, Outside

Jan. 16, 2020

Our work continues to provide, not only profound moments of connection, but deeply cathartic experiences that inspire our clients, our team, and our mission to go further. This past year allowed us to expand the AR offering, working with more individuals and groups on overnights and multi-day trips. Time in the field is something we savor deeply because it’s where we see the real magic happen. As we shake off the day-to-day stresses, take some deep breaths, and come to the present moment, we generate space for healing and growth. It’s an honor to witness the transformation.