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Activities

At RecThera, we believe activities are more than just something to do — they are opportunities for health and joyful living. This page highlights a variety of activities, along with supporting research that demonstrates their benefits and impact. Learn more about how these experiences can support overall wellbeing and meaningful engagement.

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We are continuing to grow this collection, so be sure to check back often!

Nature Walking

Mindful nature walking combines gentle movement, present-moment awareness, and engagement with the natural environment. Unlike goal-oriented exercise, mindful walking encourages individuals to slow down, observe their surroundings, and intentionally connect with sensory experiences such as sounds, movement, light, textures, and breath.

  • Cognitive

    • Increases attention & focus 3, 14

    • Improves concentration & memory 3, 14

    • Enhances sensory processing, intelligence, & cognitive flexibility 3, 14

     

    Emotional

    • Improves mood 3, 8, 10, 14

    • Relieves anxiety & worry 3, 8-10, 13, 14

    • Lessens depression & sadness 3, 6, 8-11, 13, 14

    • Reduces stress & avoids burnout 2-4, 6, 10, 14

    • Helps control anger & addiction 3, 6, 8, 9, 14

    • Induces a deeper sense of relaxation 3, 8, 14

    • Magnifies feelings of gratitude & wellbeing 3

    • Expands joy & happiness 8, 14

    • Helps us to find calm, creativity, & clarity 8, 14

     

    Physiological

    • Boosts the immune system 1, 3, 5, 10, 14

    • Speeds up recovery from illness & injury 1, 3, 5, 10

    • Elevates natural killer cells in the body to fight cancer 1, 3-5, 14

    • Strengthens heart & lung function 3, 4, 6, 10, 14

    • Decreases blood pressure 3, 4, 6-8, 10

    • Improves sleep & energy levels 3, 6, 8, 14

    • Decreases mortality risk 12

  • Take a look at Nature Walking for Wellness: Activities and Assessments for a Healthier You

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    Abbreviated References

    1. Andersen et al. (2021). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

    2. Antonelli et al. (2019). International Journal of Biometeorology 

    3. Antonelli et al. (2021). International Journal of Environmental Health Research

    4. Bikomeye et al. (2022). PLoS One

    5. Chae et al. (2021). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

    6. Cheng et al. (2021). Landscape and Urban Planning

    7. Ideno et al. (2017). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

    8. Kim et al. (2021). Healthcare

    9. Kotera et al. (2022). International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

    10. Oh et al. (2017). Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 

    11. Rojas-Rueda et al. (2019). The Lancet Planetary Health

    12. Rosa et al. (2021). Urban Forestry and Urban Greening

    13. Siah et al. (2023). International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

    14. Ye et al. (2019). Environmental Health & Preventive Medicine

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