Photographer Credit: John Atkinson
Getting out in nature triggers the biophilic hypothesis (human tendency to connect with the natural world and other living organisms) which involves lowering human stress, boosting mental health, restoring attention, empathy, and cognitive clarity by getting outdoors and benefitting from its support for mental wellness. Studies have been conducted to measure the impact of exercise for people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. This research shows beneficial effects that produce a statistically relevant and significant reduction in these mental maladies. There is also evidence for the effectiveness of exercise training in patients with panic disorder impacted by a number of psychological factors such as increased self-efficacy, a sense of mastery, distraction, and changes of self-concept.
The Sugarbush Resort in Waitsfield, Vermont is coordinating a challenge program called “Descent to Rise Above” intended to make people more aware of and provide support for mental wellness and resilience. The program invites skiers and riders to participate in a challenge to raise up to $50,000 for mental wellness and resilience by skiing and riding a BILLION vertical feet in a single season at Sugarbush Resort. Additionally, the Challenge looks to create chances to connect and possibly share some of the less-than-comfortable stories we all may carry. Riding the lifts and stopping during long runs tend to be great times for conversations. The infinite healing power offered by the outdoors and exercise has a potency that has been penned about by poets and proved by scientists—getting outside provides enormous restorative effects to our states of mind.
The Descent to Rise Above Challenge is a partnership between Sugarbush’s Be Better Here Fund and NFI—a New England nonprofit specializing in the healing of mental and emotional trauma. NFI is an agency that works with states to provide a comprehensive system of care, including crisis stabilization, residential care, and therapeutic foster care with resource centers in all of the New England states and New York. It is the hope of the Challenge to bring some light to what NFI does and provide resources so that they may continue to provide services to the youth and adults that rely on them.
Click here at Sugarbush Rise Above program for more specific details about participating. Sugarbush’s Communication Director John Bleh stated, “Skiing and riding a billion vertical feet in a single season is a big lift, but it can be achieved. Participants need only fire up the app and track their vertical every day they are at the ski area.” Sugarbush will post updates on the Challenge’s progress every week and award Descent prizes to participants, whether it be for their vertical, braving a particularly un-fun weather day, or simply for sharing their experience.
The top three participants from each New England state and New York will receive an Ikon or Sugarbush season pass for first place; a Quad Pack for second place, and a $250 Sugarbush Gift Card for third place. Each of the participating “vertical getters” will receive a commemorative Descent to Rise Above trail sign with their vertical accomplishment burnished into it along with some Challenge SHWAG.
Descent to Rise Above Challenge participants are also invited to share their stories about navigating mental health challenges. These stories can be shared anonymously, allowing for openness and honesty in a safe space.
Whether it’s a moment of vulnerability, a breakthrough, or a small step toward healing, peoples’ sharing their experience can help inspire others on their own path.
More About Mental Wellness and the Outdoors
Will there come a time when psychologists prescribe an exercise and outdoor intervention as part of therapy for their patients? These activities would seem to integrate perfectly with cognitive behavioral therapy strategies such as situational analysis, self-monitoring, homework activities, and supportive follow-up to help compliance.
Physical fitness associated with other snow sports such as cross country skiing or snowshoeing can also improve self-esteem for those facing mental challenges, and as patients feel better about themselves they’ll develop a more optimistic and energetic frame of mind. There is also an association between aerobic exercise and increased alertness. The exercise improves circulation and increases the availability of oxygen to the brain while it also causes the body to produce chemicals such as adrenaline to promote mental alertness. Fitness can instill a sense of pride and confidence and allow the mind a pathway to escape from everyday stress. Biologically speaking, exercise is said to cause the brain to release beta endorphins, which are essential in relieving pain and create a sort of euphoric or light happy feeling. This overall mood enhancement can be prescribed to help treat depression and anxiety. Regular exercise will also invoke focus, determination, and discipline which are mentally strengthening.
“The Nature Fix” a book by Florence Williams published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2017 provides some of the most compelling arguments for people to spend more time outdoors in nature, based on an increasing amount of biological, psychological, and medicinal scientific evidence.
Over the years, efforts have been made to quantify nature’s impact on mood, well-being, ability to think (remember, plan, create) and sociability. Nature also effects a social component like the feeling that is shared among people who spend time together outdoors or people who perform exceeding acts of kindness in the aftermath of a severe environmental event such as a tornado, earthquake, firestorm, and such.
The evidence (20 pages of cited notes and credits in the book) about nature impact involves details with cortisol levels, sympathetic nerve activity, heart rate decline, and hemoglobin in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. The Nature Fix is replete with plenty of information, but for the average person suffice it to say that programs that get us outdoors and exercise such as Descent to Rise Above Challenge is just what the doctor ordered.
Roger Lohr, founder and editor of XCSkiResorts.com is a writer and marketer, who lives in Lebanon, NH. He’s also been published as a Nordic skiing and snowshoeing expert on SnoCountry.com, MSNBC.com, SnowshoeMag.com, WhitebookSki.com, NSAA Journal, CCSAA Nordic Network, Cross Country Skier, SkiTrax, Ski Area Management, NASJA, Green Energy Times, and others. Lohr also wrote the Board Report snowboard column in SnowEast Magazine. He conducted the CCSAA Skier Visit Study and created the Best XC Ski Area Poll and worked for industry trade organization SIA. He loves skiing on xc ski trails, telemarking in the backcountry, and snowboarding in powder.
