Second Nature is a Wilderness Family Therapy program based in Duchesne, Utah. In the following article, Second Nature Wilderness explains how outdoor family events have a positive impact on teen’s mental health.
Teens today face a host of challenges, from academic pressures to social media distractions, that can make it difficult for them to connect with their loved ones and manage their mental health. There’s a simple solution that can help – outdoor activities like hiking, camping, orienteering, geocaching, and rappelling.
Not only does connecting with nature improve mood and outlook, but it can present teens with tasks that build problem solving skills, curate coping mechanisms, learn how to work in a team, and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Second Nature Utah on the Impact of these Family Events for Mental Health
Second Nature Utah reviews that outdoor activities provide a unique opportunity for families to bond and reconnect. Building trust and communication through shared experiences, creating a sense of belonging and unity, and enhancing emotional regulation and stress management are just a few of the benefits.
Activities that get teens outside, connecting with nature, and complex but low-stakes problems that they wouldn’t encounter in their daily school life also provide opportunities for problem-solving and goal setting. Second Nature Utah reviews that this can help teens develop the skills they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Outdoor Activities That Support Mental Health
Second Nature Wilderness explains that as mental health continues to be a growing concern for today’s teens, getting outside might be the right thing to aid in their mental clarity and focus. Exposure to nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, and physical activity has a well-established relationship with mental well-being.
Second Nature Utah reviews that outdoor activities can also help teens develop resilience and coping skills, which can be especially valuable for those dealing with major life events that may be impacting their overall mental wellbeing, such as illness, family changes or death, bullying, or school stress.
Camping
Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors according to Second Nature. It allows people to disconnect from technology and daily routine and spend quality time together. Camping can be done in various forms, from backpacking and car camping to RVing and glamping. It can be a great way to experience nature, learn outdoor skills and appreciate the beauty of the environment.
Orienteering
Orienteering is a sport that involves navigating from point to point in unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass. Second Nature Utah reviews that it is a great way to challenge oneself, build problem-solving skills, and develop a sense of direction. Orienteering can be done individually or in teams, building trust and teamwork skills that can be vital to those having difficulties socializing or asking for help.
Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor activity that involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers, called “geocaches,” that are placed in various locations around the world. It is a great way to explore new places and learn about the area’s history and culture. It also challenges the problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
This activity can be exciting for teens and parents alike, and the feeling of successfully locating a geocache will help teens feel a sense of accomplishment explains Second Nature Wilderness.
Rappelling
Rappelling is the act of descending a vertical surface, such as a cliff or a building, by sliding down a rope that is anchored at the top. It is a great way to challenge oneself, build confidence, and improve physical fitness.
Much like these other activities, Second Nature Utah reviews that teens may come away from a session of rappelling feeling accomplished and fulfilled, confident in their abilities. Having something to feel proud of tends to work wonders for teens who have faltering self-confidence or self-esteem.
Does Wilderness Therapy Work
If a teen is dealing with mental health challenges, a wilderness therapy program may be a great follow-up to continue healing. Second Nature Wilderness therapy programs are designed to help teens reconnect with themselves and their loved ones in a natural setting.
Studies have shown that wilderness therapy programs can be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Experts and organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Outdoor Leadership School are among the many sources that support the benefits of wilderness therapy programs.
Onward and Upward
In conclusion, outdoor activities like camping, orienteering, geocaching, and rappelling can help teens reconnect with their loved ones and manage their mental health. They provide a unique opportunity for families to bond and build trust, as well as for teens to develop the skills they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Wilderness therapy programs can also be an effective follow-up to continue healing. By incorporating outdoor activities into a family’s routine, teens build the resilience and coping skills they need to thrive.
