Yes! Magazine cites that “Over 100 studies have shown that being in nature, living near nature, or even viewing nature in paintings and videos can have positive impacts on our brains, bodies, feelings, thought processes, and social interactions.” Activities in nature provide a host of natural benefits for body, mind, and spirit. Much research has been dedicated to studying if just seeing nature could provide the same kind of benefit. Numerous studies which incorporate viewings of BBC documentary series Planet Earth and other short videos of nature have found that simply spending a few minutes viewing nature produces enormous benefit. “Viewing nature seems to be inherently rewarding, producing a cascade of position emotions and calming our nervous systems. These in turn help us to cultivate greater openness, creativity, connection, generosity, and resilience.” Nature- being in it, being near it, or just watching videos of it, is healing for the holistic being and the social environment.
Spending time in or near nature has been proven to effect behavioral changes because of the way nature influences a more open mind. Seeing powers much greater than the self, one is encouraged to relate to themselves and to the world in a different way. Fostering feelings of gratitude and positivity, the new energy created by time in nature has a ripple effect. “Positive emotions have beneficial effects upon social processes, too—like increasing trust, cooperation, and closeness with others.”
Nature immersion in treatment for addictions, dual diagnosis mental health disorders, and other issues can be a significant factor in the healing process. The brain on nature is activated in natural dopamine production with causes the brain to experience pleasure and associate the source. Dopamine is a problem in most addiction and mental health issues because of harmful associations which create obsession and craving. Nature can create new memory associations in the reward centers of the brain while simultaneously healing mind, body, and spirit.
Cypress Lakes Lodge is located on 18 stunning acres of rolling green hills in Eastern Texas. Canoeing, fishing, and more outdoor activities are part of the everyday routine at Cypress. When you’re ready to make the call for treatment, we are here to welcome you. For more information on our treatment programs, call 1-877-938-1577.