For many military veterans, transitioning back to civilian life can be an overwhelming and challenging task. One of the best ways for veterans to cope with this transition is to take part in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, hunting and fishing. By doing so, veterans can reap numerous physical and mental health benefits, as well as build meaningful connections with nature and the outdoors.
Physical Benefits:
Outdoor activities offer a great way for veterans to stay physically active and fit. Spending time in nature can bring on a host of physical benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength and endurance, and even lower blood pressure. Additionally, outdoor activities can also help veterans improve their coordination, balance, and posture.
Mental Health Benefits:
Outdoor activities can also help with improving mental health. Participating in outdoor activities can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For veterans, major depression is 5 times higher than it is with civilians, and many are fighting more difficult battles now at home than they did when they served. It can also help veterans become more mindful, which can lead to greater self-awareness and overall wellbeing. It can be a great way for veterans to relax and clear their minds, so that they can better focus their energy on their life goals.
Connection to Nature:
For veterans, spending time outdoors can create a sense of connection to nature that can be extremely therapeutic and calming. This connection can also lead to a greater appreciation for the natural world, which can help veterans to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Making Connections:
Lastly, outdoor activities can provide veterans with the opportunity to build meaningful connections with others. Through outdoor activities, veterans can create meaningful bonds with their family and friends, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation. Additionally, these activities can also provide veterans with an opportunity to bond with their peers and create a strong sense of community.
Overall, here at High Timber Dreams (HTD), we believe outdoor activities can be an excellent way for veterans to transition back to civilian life. Participating in outdoor activities can provide veterans with numerous physical and mental health benefits, as well as help them to create meaningful connections with nature and their peers. This is what at the heart of HTD and why we work so hard to provide support and outdoor activities for our heroes.
Take a moment to reach out to a veteran in your life and thank them for their service. You can also support veterans by donating to High Timber Dreams and our mission. Together, we can show our appreciation for those who have served our country.
About the Author: Chad Hultz is a Marine Veteran, who has a passion for the outdoors and supporting those that give so much to our communities and country everyday.