Have you ever wondered why hikers look so blissful after a trek? That unmistakable glow—relaxed faces, easy laughter, calm demeanors—isn’t just coincidence. As a hike leader, I’ve witnessed this transformation countless times, and it’s the ultimate reward for any guide. While we instinctively know that exposure to nature has physical and mental benefits, I wanted to know why—the science behind it.
My curiosity about this phenomenon led me down an unexpected path: a postgraduate program in nature and adventure therapy. The program involved, among other things, planning and leading multiday expeditions, emergency plans/risk management, group dynamics and psychology, nature-based interventions, experiential education, wilderness advanced first aid certification, and earning certification in applicable outdoor activities (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, cycling).
Extensive research has been done on outdoor therapies (a broader term that includes nature therapy, adventure therapy, wilderness therapy, etc.). Their positive influence on multiple facets of general wellbeing, as well as social, academic, and family functioning, has been demonstrated. Recently, researchers have begun investigating the factors contributing to these effects. Some of them include nature exposure, adventure, group experience, and physical activity.
Nature exposure: Blue and green spaces. Ever noticed how your breathing deepens near water or among trees? There’s science behind that response. “The innate human instinct to connect with everything related to nature is closely linked to the theory of soft fascination,” according to researchers Shin et al. (2022). Our senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste—come alive in natural environments, triggering cognitive restoration and enhanced wellbeing.
Adventure: An adventure situation is generally defined as a new experience marked by uncertainty and novelty. Priest and Gass (2018) define it as “…influenced by one’s state of mind, attitude, and perceived competence to undertake a challenge.” One intrinsic aspect of nature is unpredictability. We can’t control the weather or terrain, and unpredictability stimulates the brain’s emotional processing centers, building resilience and deepening our learning experiences.
Group experience: Group hiking fulfills our fundamental human needs for connection, affection, and recognition. There’s something magical about tackling a challenging trail with others. When structured with respect and inclusion, these group experiences become powerful catalysts for positive social dynamics and personal growth.
Physical activity: In 470 and 324 BC, Socrates and Aristotle already emphasized the unity of a healthy mind and body. Each step on the trail releases a cascade of beneficial hormones—endorphins, dopamine, and adrenaline—that elevate mood and enhance overall wellbeing.
I could go on writing about outdoor therapies, but there’s a better option: experience it firsthand by joining the hikes offered by the TBTC and exploring the magnificent treasure we have in our own backyard: The Bruce Trail.
Your next dose of nature therapy is just a hike away.
— Courtesy, Marijo Roy (TBTC hike leader)