Have you ever gotten back from a hike and felt completely rejuvenated and refreshed? That’s the therapeutic benefits of nature hard at work to improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. You may have noticed a surge of strength and vitality returning to your body, a serene sense of calmness, or even that the mountain of problems you thought you had has magically diminished to a much more manageable ant hill.
You’re not the only one who has noticed the healing benefits of hiking in nature. Doctors, researchers, and scientists are beginning to study the mental, emotional, and physical improvements that humans experience while taking part in nature-based activities like exploring Southern Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Their findings have been so impressive, that a new form of therapy has emerged called Ecotherapy. Ecotherapy can be practiced many different ways; some of our favorites include hiking, backpacking, and trekking throughout the Southwest! The main focus of ecotherapy is to combat what scientists are calling “Nature Deficit Disorder,” which may soon become an actual diagnosis given by medical doctors and listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual or DSM.
According to recent studies, the best way to prevent and also cure Nature Deficit Disorder is to have fun in nature, which is something we already love doing! Whether you enjoy hiking in Tucson, climbing Mt Lemmon, scenic Sky Island mountain top yoga sessions, backpacking through Arizona’s grand canyons, adventuring in Phoenix and Scottsdale, or exploring the natural wonders of Oaxaca, Mexico, we’ve got a guided Southwest experience that is fun for both individuals and groups, and may have added health and wellbeing benefits as well!
According to research, some benefits that you may experience on a Southwest Discoveries guided hike include:
- Reduced decision fatigue
- Reduced cognitive overload
- Reduced digital fatigue
- Improved cognitive performance
- Strengthened immune system
- Improved creativity
- Increased resourcefulness
- Vegas nerve activation
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased tranquility
- Improved heart rate
- Improved blood pressure
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Increased relaxation
- Better sleep
- Reduced fatigue
- Improved general health
- Improved capacity for imagination and learning
- Strengthened intuition
- Improved self confidence
- Increased optimism
- Burnout recovery
- Elevated mood
- Lower cortisol
- Decreased risk of depression
- Improved overall mental health
- Decreased risk of heart problems
- Stronger muscles and bones
- Improved balance
- Improved sensory perception
- Aid in addiction recovery
We always knew that hiking in Tucson, Phoenix, and Scottsdale Arizona was fun, but that’s 31 more reasons why you should join us for a Southwest Discoveries adventure!
Southwest Discoveries is open for top-rated guided hikes and adventures in Tucson, Phoenix, and Scottsdale Arizona and the Southwest all year long, but now that the holidays are approaching, joining us for a hike with family and friends can be a great way to de-stress, build relationships, and enjoy the beautifully mild winters that we have here in the Southwest. Whether you live in Arizona, or are visiting for the holidays, make Southwest Discoveries a part of your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Yule, Winter Solstice, New Years, and/or holiday season tradition. Because an unforgettable adventure that can also have health benefits truly is a gift that keeps on giving!
Resources:
Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/ecotherapy
Health Partners: https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/nature-deficit-disorder/
Harvard Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hike-your-way-to-better-health
National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/benefits-hiking-brain-heart-mental-health
National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/trails/benefits-of-hiking.htm