As the days grow longer and the trees turns green again after a long winter, many of us feel a natural pull to be outdoors. Whether it’s the urge to take a walk through the woods, the view of bees buzzing around freshly bloomed flowers, or the fresh scent of rain-soaked soil, different aspects of nature have a way of drawing us in.
This connection to nature is tied to what scientists’ call “environmental identity”—a personal bond with the outdoors, often with a specific place or scenery, that fosters a sense of belonging and being part of something greater. For survivors of domestic violence, nature offers more than just a peaceful escape; it can be a profoundly healing experience to be a part of.
Over 75% of survivors who come to RESPOND experience anxiety. Abuse disrupts every part of a person’s life. Survivors often live in a constant state of fight-or-flight, unsure when the next threat will come. Even after escaping an abusive situation, the effects linger: sleepless nights, panic in crowded places, hypervigilance in seemingly safe settings. The body learns to expect danger, making it hard to reconnect with the calm that should be the baseline of daily life.
Spring, with its promise of renewal, provides survivors an opportunity to reclaim their bodies, their time, and their space. Whether it’s tending to a community garden, enjoying the tranquility of a quiet park, or simply relaxing on a sunlit porch, time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and create space for joy and peace.
At RESPOND, we understand that healing is a gradual process. We believe in meeting survivors where they are—emotionally, physically, and mentally. And for many, reconnecting with nature offers one small but vastly transformative step forward.
Florence Williams highlights the profound impact nature can have on trauma survivors in the book “The Nature Fix” She writes, “Nature, it turns out, is good for civilization—mental, physical, and social health alike” (Williams, 2017, p. 12). Nature offers something unique: a quiet, steady presence that doesn’t demand anything, doesn’t judge, and doesn’t ask survivors to explain or perform. It simply offers peace, rewiring your nervous system at the same time.
Whether it’s the gentle rustle of leaves or the warmth of sunlight, nature has a unique ability to help calm a nervous system that’s been on high alert for too long. This is not a “quick fix”—it’s a slow, grounding process that creates space for healing.
Research supports what many survivors already know instinctively: spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels, boosts immunity, and enhances emotional regulation (University of Minnesota, n.d.). Even just a few minutes each day spent outdoors can create meaningful change in a person’s mental and physical health (Williams, 2017).
This spring, if you or someone you know is healing from abuse, it could be beneficial to spend some time outdoors. Being outside won’t fix all the problems in the world, but it can provide peace in a time of need. Feel the sun on your skin. Listen for the sound of birdsong. Take a few mindful breaths in the presence of nature. There is no pressure to explain or perform—just a quiet reminder that healing is possible, and peace is within reach.
Need support? RESPOND is here. Our team provides trauma-informed, client-led services—indoors and outdoors—to help survivors move forward at their own pace. Call our Support Line at (617) 623-5900 (9AM-5PM, M-F).
Sources:
- Clayton, S. (2003). Environmental identity: A conceptual and an operational definition. In S. Clayton & S. Opotow (Eds.), Identity and the natural environment: The psychological significance of nature (pp. 45–65). MIT Press.
- University of Minnesota. (n.d.). How does nature impact our wellbeing?
- Williams, F. (2017). The Nature Fix: Why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative. W. W. Norton & Company.
