Finding Solace and Healing in Nature: Veterans' Journey to Recovery Through Farming and Outdoor Activities

Military veterans who have served their country often face challenges upon returning home, including physical and emotional wounds. Traditional forms of therapy may not always address their unique needs. However, a growing movement is harnessing the therapeutic power of nature and farming to foster healing and recovery among veterans.

Field Exercises: How Veterans Are Healing Themselves through Farming and Outdoor Activities

by Stephanie Westlund

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

FREE

Therapeutic Benefits of Farming

Farming provides a multitude of benefits for veterans:

• Physical activity: Farming involves physical labor, which promotes fitness and improves overall health.




• Sensory stimulation: The sights, sounds, smells, and textures of a farm can provide calming and restorative experiences.




• Autonomy and purpose: Veterans can take pride in growing their own food, feeling a sense of accomplishment and purpose.




Social interaction: Farms often facilitate connections and camaraderie among veterans.

Mindfulness: Working on a farm requires focus and attention to the present moment, promoting mindfulness and stress reduction.

Outdoor Activities for Healing

In addition to farming, various outdoor activities have been shown to benefit veterans:


• Hiking: Spending time hiking in nature has been linked to improved mental health, as well as physical benefits.




• Fishing: Angling has been found to promote relaxation and reduce stress, while also providing a sense of accomplishment.




• Camping: Immersed in the beauty and tranquility of the wilderness, veterans can reconnect with their inner selves and find peace.




• Gardening: Similar to farming, gardening allows veterans to engage in physical activity, sensory stimulation, and mindful contemplation.




Wildlife observation: Spending time observing birds, animals, and other wildlife in natural settings has been shown to lower blood pressure and promote feelings of well-being.

Success Stories

Numerous veterans have experienced significant healing through farming and outdoor activities:


• John: A former Marine with PTSD found solace and a sense of belonging in farming, connecting with other veterans and finding purpose in providing food for his community.




• Mary: A veteran who struggled with anxiety and depression found healing through hiking, finding peace and tranquility in the wilderness.




• Bob: After serving in Iraq, Bob encountered difficulty reintegrating into civilian life. He found a renewed sense of purpose by establishing a fishing club for veterans, promoting camaraderie and emotional support.

Farming and outdoor activities offer a powerful path to healing for veterans. These activities provide physical, emotional, and social benefits, helping veterans overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. As the movement to harness the therapeutic power of nature for veterans continues to grow, it provides hope and recovery opportunities for those who have served.




If you are a veteran interested in exploring the therapeutic benefits of farming or outdoor activities, there are several resources available:


• Veterans Administration: The VA offers programs and services that connect veterans with nature-based activities.




• Farmer Veteran Coalition: This organization provides training and support to veterans who want to start or expand farming operations.




• Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing: This program uses fly fishing to promote healing and camaraderie among veterans.

Field Exercises: How Veterans Are Healing Themselves through Farming and Outdoor Activities

by Stephanie Westlund

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

FREE