According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 70% of people across the globe will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. Some people might witness that event, while others might be directly affected by it.

Either way, trauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s well-being, contributing to a lifetime of signs, symptoms, and problems. The effects of trauma can cause you to think negatively about yourself, other people, and the world around you.

Thankfully, there are many different treatment and management options for dealing with trauma. One of the most natural and highly effective is spending time outdoors. Nature is an ultimate healer, and its effects are backed by research and centuries of success in improving the mental health of people who immerse themselves.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can find peace in the outdoors and how nature supports trauma healing.

Staying Grounded

Far too often, when you’re struggling with trauma, you’ll experience painful memories or even flashbacks. You might find yourself dwelling on the experience. Or, your trauma can contribute to anxious thoughts that cause you to focus on the “what-ifs” of life. That leaves you on edge and makes it very difficult to ever relax or let go of stress.

One of the biggest benefits of spending time in nature is that it grounds you in the present. Mindfulness practices have become very popular in recent years because of that same benefit. Staying grounded in the moment allows you to let go of the “what-ifs” of the future. It also allows you to peel away from the pain you might have experienced in the past.

Take in the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you as you spend time outside. Doing so can help to redirect your thoughts so you can focus on the present.

Something Bigger Than Yourself

Try something like walking barefoot in the grass or on the sand at a beach. This can give you a physical connection to the world around you. It’s not uncommon for people who have experienced trauma to dissociate as a defense mechanism. When you feel a deep connection to nature, that dissociation goes away because you recognize that you’re a part of something greater than yourself.

Nature offers a sense of purpose and can help you feel like you belong. That sense of connection builds resiliency and can help to inspire hope and strength as you walk forward on your healing journey.

Emotional Regulation

When you’ve experienced trauma, it can be difficult to understand your emotions, let alone express them in healthy, appropriate ways. Being outside gives you a safe and neutral setting to work through those emotions and process them effectively without having to say anything.

Research has shown that spending time in nature, especially immersing yourself in activities like forest bathing, exercising outdoors, and taking part in nature-based therapies, can promote healing and growth. These activities naturally reduce stress hormones within the body, giving you a sense of calm while you continue to heal.

Using Nature as a Metaphor

If you take a look around in the great outdoors, it’s not hard to see why nature is the ultimate healer. There is constant growth and renewal in the natural world, and spending more time in nature can help you experience the same.

In a perfect world, no one would have to experience trauma that leaves a lasting impact. Unfortunately, far too many people continue to struggle with what they’ve seen or gone through. It’s never too late to experience the lasting peace that nature can provide. Contact me soon to learn more or to set up a consultation for trauma counseling.