The beauty of the great outdoors. As the light grows dim and the wind howls, winter for many people can bring sadness, loneliness, and depression. The shorter hours of daylight prevent many people from feeling the warm rays of the sun to energize them and nourish their bodies with a blast of mood-boosting Vitamin D. For some, winter signifies long hours spent inside and the onset of mental health struggles.
Does it have to be this way? As dreary as the cloudy days may seem, winter outdoor activities abound, all of which have tremendous value for your mental health.
At Atlanta Center for Mental Health, the mental health professionals understand the many benefits of recreational activities and encourage residents to participate in as many activities as possible as part of their treatment plan. Learn more about our mental health therapies by calling 833.625.0458.
Outdoor Activities Are Good For Your Health?
There is growing evidence that supports the many benefits of spending time outdoors. Spending just a few minutes every day outside can boost your mental health, improve your immune system, and create a connection to the world around you.
When you breathe in the fresh air, the body sends oxygen through the blood and allows the lungs to work efficiently. The sunshine, especially in the winter, helps the body to absorb Vitamin D, which is needed for mental clarity and mood stabilization.
Don’t want to go it alone? Spending time outdoors creates opportunities for social interaction and relationship building. Have you ever seen the smiles on children’s faces as they send snowballs sailing through the air to land on their unsuspecting friend’s shoulder? The simple act of sledding down a slippery slope with a friend can bring shrieks of laughter and joy.
As adults, we oftentimes avoid going outside saying, “it’s too cold” or “I don’t want to fall.” However, the benefits of getting some fresh air far outweigh the temporary cold that you may experience. No matter what your interests are, there is a broad range of winter outdoor activities that can elevate your mood and improve your mental health, including:
- Ice skating
- Nature walks
- Throwing a ball or frisbee with a friend
- Photographing winter scenes
- Having a “picnic” outside
While appreciating the beauty of the great outdoors, you may feel the tension, stress, and negativity flow from your body.
Mental Health Treatment in Atlanta, Georgia
While the winters may be mild here in Riverdale, there are still plenty of chances to enjoy the outdoors and receive the associated health benefits. The medical professionals at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health design mental health treatment programs to meet the needs of each of the residents. Depending on the diagnosis and level of care required, each individual receives a unique treatment plan that includes:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
The goal of mental health treatment is to ensure the recovery of the mind, body, and soul. Taking a holistic approach to recovery, Atlanta Center for Mental Health encourages residents to retreat, recover, and restart. We offer workshops and activities to help reduce stress, improve relationships, and boost mood. Nature walks, hikes, and other winter outdoor activities are a part of the recreational therapy program and have proven to be beneficial in the recovery process.
Find out more about Atlanta Center for Mental Health and its many opportunities to get you or a loved one on the road to recovery. Reach out today by using our online form or calling 833.625.0458 to learn how this could be the right residential mental health center for you.
Atlanta Center for Mental Health is a free-standing, non-hospital-setting, residential facility that treats co-occurring mental health disorders along with primary mental health diagnoses. Our goal is to transform your life and put you on the path to wellness and recovery.