The outdoors is a powerful tool for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health recovery among veterans. From the calming properties of nature to the physical and emotional benefits of outdoor activities, the outdoors can be an essential component of recovery and healing. It can help to calm the thoughts of deployments, combat, and loss.
For example, going for a Ruck March in the woods or just around your neighborhood can allow veterans to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time reconnecting with themselves, nature, and friends. Connecting with the beauty of the outdoors can help veterans to regain a sense of balance and peace, which can help to reduce anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of PTSD.
Rucking with your thoughts, remembering when problem-solving and accomplishing goals were part of your everyday. Either individually or as a team. That’s why at Alpha Elite Performance, we started a nonprofit called AEPOutdoors.com
We understand the challenges, and we know what the issues are. We’ve had twenty-plus years to witness the destruction of war and the aftermath of service. We want to ensure that we bring our brothers and sisters together again through adrenaline adventure and fellowship using the outdoors. One of our ways of doing that is our March 4 our Military, which this year falls on March 4th in Montgomery, TX, the birthplace of the Texas flag. It’s an easy 5k, but it’s all about the camaraderie and brotherhood coming together.
We want to provide veterans with calm, physical activity, interpersonal connection, goal setting, and problem-solving with Adrenaline Adventure. If you are a veteran or know a veteran needing mental health support, consider supporting AEPOutdoors.com. We want to fill a gap where many are not, and we want to fill a gap where many refuse to. There are 100% positive benefits of spending time outdoors with our brothers and sisters, and it should be a part of our transition and recovery plan. For more information on AEP Outdoors, please visit AEPOutdoors.com. Consider participating in or sponsoring our March 4th ruck march.
Travis Wilson
Special Forces Green Beret (RET)
To learn more about Alpha Elite Performance and Alpha Elite Outdoors
To register for March 4 our Military, click here.