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Originally Posted On: https://nykdaily.com/2020/08/top-7-major-benefits-of-seeing-a-recreational-therapist/

 

Your mental health should always be one of your number one priorities when it comes to dealing with the stresses of modern life.

This is especially important considering how the global health crisis affected millions of Americans, leading to increasing feelings of anxiety and feeling uncertain about the future. This is why recreational therapy can make a significant difference to anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, or negative thought patterns.

In this article, we will explain the 7 major benefits of seeing a recreational therapist and how it can dramatically change your life. Invest in your mental wellbeing sooner to prevent any complications later on in your development. Read on to find out more.

1. It Can Be Done From the Comfort of Your Own Home

One reason why people might resist seeking out help or recreational therapy is that the formal setting of an office or practice might be too overwhelming.

People might also not be able to access transport or be able to attend regular sessions because of a busy schedule or lack of time. With recreational therapy these days a lot of this can now be accessed online.

It means people are more comfortable as they don’t have to leave their house for the sessions and also it is easily fitted into their schedule. Courses such as CBT online are perfect for those people who are anxious about attending a face-to-face appointment or don’t have the capacity to do so.

2. It Helps a Large Number of Different Groups

The great thing about recreational therapy is that it can be catered and adapted for individuals’ needs and requirements. It’s not just for one particular demographic. For example, it can benefit young mothers who are finding motherhood overwhelming, as well as war veterans or teenagers.

Recreational therapy isn’t a ‘one size fits all method’. Recreational therapists are able to draw on a wealth of therapy techniques and strategies and put together a plan which will benefit the recipient.

3. Promotes Healthy Living

A lot of recreational therapy involves processes such as healthy living, exercise, and the outdoors. By undertaking recreational therapy, not only will it work on your mental wellbeing but it can also help to develop and improve your physical wellbeing as well.

It often means that you will become fitter and happier through physical exercise and hobbies which you can incorporate into your daily routine. By incorporating a wide range of activities and exercises, it promotes skills that therapy users can benefit from even after the course of therapy has ended.

4. Improves Social Skills

Depending on the type of recreational therapy you choose, a lot of it will focus on the power of communication and breaking negative thought patterns. By going into detail and recognizing these negative behaviors, allows you to communicate your thoughts and feeling more effectively.

If it is something you are doing in a group setting, this helps you to break down your anxiety and challenge your own limitations. Your vulnerability can be a strength and help you to overcome social situations you would have previously struggled with.

5. Helps with Your Own Stress Management

Stress and difficulty to control or manage your stress can be a significant strain on functioning in day to day life. This can also lead to other physiological symptoms such as high blood pressure and risk of heart attacks.

By having regular recreational therapy, it helps you to figure out exactly what your triggers and stress points are. The therapy helps you to break out of your negative thought patterns and also how to cope when you are feeling overwhelmed.

It means you are much better at regulating your own behavior and can recognize when a situation is becoming too much for you. You are then able to employ your coping strategies and remove yourself or protect yourself from a situation that is causing unnecessary anxiety or stress.

6. Less of a Reliance on Medication or Sleep Aids

If you are overly anxious or stressed, you might find yourself reaching for medication or sleep aids to help you relax or sleep. This is okay for a short period of time or a quick fix but can be dangerous if you rely on them too much.

Recreational therapy helps to alleviate stress and anxiety through talking therapies and activities which is removed from relying on medical aids. This means that your body is responding to therapy without chemical intervention which can have negative side effects.

An overreliance on sleep aids can be problematic and can be linked to breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, lethargy, and even increase your risk of cancer. This is why recreational therapy is a much safer and healthy way to help with stress, anxiety, and getting a good night’s sleep.

7. Helps with Body Image and Confidence

When suffering from anxiety, an unfortunate side effect can be a loss of confidence or a negative perception of body image. People who have low self-esteem can be unduly worried or concerned about their appearance and view themselves in a negative way.

This can lead to rejecting social invitations and interactions because they don’t want to be seen in public. It can be a downward spiral, making themselves socially isolated due to a lack of confidence and feelings of worthlessness.

With recreational therapy, those negative thought patterns are broken down and challenged. The patient is able to break the cycle of negativity and feel more confident in themselves after a number of sessions. They are able to develop a better view of their own body image and see themselves in a more positive way.

Seeing a Recreationist Therapist: Where Can I Find Out More?

We hope that this article on the 7 major benefits of seeing a recreational therapist has been useful and enlightening.

If you suffer from a lack of self-esteem, confidence, or anxiety, recreational therapy might just be the solution you are looking for. Don’t miss out on life because of unnecessary fear.

Find the right therapist for you and start reaping the benefits that recreational therapy can bring to your life!